Taurasi Radici Riserva (1997)

About this wine

The 1997 Mastroberardino Taurasi Radici Riserva is a full-bodied red wine that showcases the depth and complexity of the Aglianico grape. On the nose, it presents a bouquet of ripe black cherry, leather, licorice, and tobacco. The palate is rich and enveloping, featuring flavors of plum, bitter cherry, strawberry jam, black pepper, and a touch of balsamic. This wine has a strong, dense structure with elegant and persistent notes, reflecting the unique terroir of the Montemarano estate in Campania, Italy. Aged for 30 months in French oak barriques and Slavonian casks, followed by at least 36 months of refinement in bottle, it exemplifies the aging potential and complexity of Taurasi wines.

About the grape

Aglianico is an ancient grape variety, likely introduced to southern Italy by Greek settlers around the 7th or 6th century BC. It thrives in the volcanic soils of Campania, particularly in the Taurasi region, where it produces wines known for their deep color and robust tannins. The Mastroberardino family, established in 1878, played a pivotal role in preserving and promoting Aglianico, especially through their Taurasi wines. Their dedication helped elevate Taurasi to DOCG status in 1993, marking it as a wine of the highest quality in Italy.

Quick facts

• 🍷 The 1997 vintage of Mastroberardino's Taurasi Radici Riserva is renowned for its rich, full-bodied character, featuring notes of tobacco, smoke, and ash, with a robust tannic structure.
• ⏳ Mastroberardino's Taurasi wines, including the 1997 vintage, are celebrated for their exceptional aging potential, often remaining in excellent condition for several decades.
• 🍇 The Aglianico grape, used exclusively in this wine, is often referred to as the 'Barolo of the South' due to its ability to produce wines with great depth and longevity.
• 🌋 The Taurasi region's volcanic soil imparts unique mineral qualities to the wine, contributing to its distinctive flavor profile.
• 🏛️ Mastroberardino has been a pioneer in preserving and promoting indigenous grape varieties of Campania, such as Aglianico, ensuring the continuation of the region's rich winemaking heritage.

Palate profile

Producer

Mastroberardino, established in 1878 in Atripalda, Italy, is renowned for preserving Campania's indigenous grape varieties, such as Aglianico, Fiano, and Greco. The winery played a pivotal role in revitalizing the region's viticulture after World War II, notably reintroducing the Aglianico grape and elevating Taurasi to world-class status. In 1996, Mastroberardino collaborated with the Italian government to restore ancient vineyards in Pompeii, aiming to recreate wines from the Roman era. Today, under the leadership of Piero Mastroberardino, the winery continues to blend tradition with modern techniques, producing wines that reflect the rich heritage of Campania.