Mastroberardino - Radici Taurasi Riserva 2016

The Mastroberardino family has been farming grapes and producing wine since the mid-18th century, dating back 10 generations. The family settled in the town of Atripalda in 1878, in the district of Irpinia, at a time when the royal House of Bourbon still occupied the land. Antonio Mastroberardino, a member of the 9th generation, brought the winery international recognition even though his career was initially mired in hardship. Returning home after WWII, Antonio found his family’s estate in ruins as a result of war, economic depression, phylloxera, and neglect. Determined to rebuild and grow his family’s business, he began a comprehensive restoration project at the estate and vineyards. He spent the next few decades purchasing the best vineyards in Irpinia and greater Campania, where he dedicated plantings to three nearly extinct ancient Campanian grape varietals: Fiano, Greco, and Aglianico. While many other Italian winemakers chose to cultivate international grapes at the time, Antonio wanted to preserve Campania’s winemaking tradition and resuscitate its indigenous grapes–a decision that has shaped all Campanian wine production since.