Taurasi Radici (2007)

About this wine

The 1968 Mastroberardino Taurasi Riserva is a testament to the enduring quality of Aglianico, presenting a vibrant garnet hue that belies its age. The nose is a captivating blend of raspberry, sour red cherry, tobacco, and mint, underscored by a pronounced minerality. On the palate, it offers juicy, perfumed flavors of red fruit and chocolate, exhibiting remarkable precision and energy. The finish is exceptionally long, smooth, and perfumed, with fine-grained tannins that contribute to its balance. Notably, this vintage was crafted from a blend of grapes sourced from Montemarano, Pian d’Angelo, and Castelfranci, three renowned Aglianico regions, highlighting the wine's depth and complexity.

About the grape

Aglianico is an ancient grape variety, likely introduced to southern Italy by Greek settlers around the 8th century BC. Known for its late ripening and robust tannins, it thrives in the volcanic soils of Taurasi, Campania. The 1968 Mastroberardino Taurasi is a notable example, crafted entirely from Aglianico grapes sourced from esteemed vineyards in Montemarano, Pian d’Angelo, and Castelfranci. This vintage is celebrated for its remarkable longevity and complexity, showcasing the grape's potential when cultivated in this unique terroir.

Quick facts

• 🍷 The 1968 Mastroberardino Taurasi Riserva is renowned for its exceptional longevity, with bottles still displaying remarkable vitality and complexity over 50 years after production.
• 🌍 In 1968, Mastroberardino produced three special cuvées of Taurasi based on zonal terroir differences—Montemarano, Pian d’Angelo, and Castelfranci—as well as a riserva that blended all three, showcasing the diverse expressions of the Aglianico grape.
• ☀️ The 1968 vintage was characterized by a warm growing season with minimal summer rainfall, leading to a generous crop with concentrated color and tannins, contributing to the wine's remarkable longevity.
• 🍇 Mastroberardino's Taurasi Riserva 1968 is made entirely from Aglianico grapes, a variety often referred to as the 'Barolo of the South' due to its robust structure and aging potential.
• 👃 The 1968 Taurasi Riserva has been praised for its complex bouquet, featuring aromas of prunes, wet earth, tobacco, milk chocolate, sweet spices like cinnamon, and aromatic herbs, offering a rich and evolving tasting experience.

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.