Mastroberardino - Turasi Radici Riserva 2017

The Mastroberardino family, leaders in Italian viticulture, are largely responsible for the revival and elevation of Irpinian and Campanian winemaking post WWII. Their efforts ignited a resurgence in quality red and white wine production in all of Southern Italy. Working primarily with Campania's ancient, native varietals, Fiano, Greco, and Aglianico, Mastroberardino has resuscitated would-be extinct grapes into world class varieties.

Radici Taurasi Riserva, first produced in 1986, is the result of extensive physical and chemical research within their single vineyard Montemarano estate. Selecting the best sites for their Riserva production, the wine’s strong, dense structure and aromatic concentration are evident characteristics of this 20-year-old vineyard. Radici, meaning “roots,” refers to Mastroberardino’s comprehensive research into clonal selection, rootstocks, and site selection when crafting their Taurasi wines.

Manual harvest takes place early November. Fermentation in stainless steel is followed by a long maceration period at controlled temperature in stainless steel tanks. Aged for 30 months in French oak barriques and Slavonian casks, followed by at least 36 months refinement in bottle.

"The 2017 Taurasi Radici is a force to be reckoned with, as it bursts from the glass with masses of raspberries, currants and plums, complemented by an array of autumnal spices and crushed violets. Its textural depth and density is something to behold, silky, almost creamy, yet contrasted perfectly by a core of mineral-laced black fruits and brisk acids, as an air of inner rose and cloves forms toward the close. The 2017 is persistent and structured yet also unbelievably fresh, as fine tannins frame its smoky mineral tones, along with lasting hints of blackberry and olive. This is a gorgeous rendition of Radici that should provide readers with a slightly earlier drinking window than normally expected. That said, we are talking in terms of Taurasi here, and this wine has a very bright future ahead of it." - 94 Points, Vinous

"Complex already on the nose with blue and black fruit, as well as notes of nori, goudrons and spices, such as cinnamon and mace. Full-bodied with intense, almost steely fruit and mineral flavors and firm, medium-grain tannins. The quality is evident here. It’s just a bit rough at the moment and needs a couple of years to calm down and expand in all directions. Try from 2023." - 93 Points, James Suckling

Producer: Mastroberardino

Country: Italy

Region: Campania

Varietal: Aglianico

Appellation: Taurasi 

Vintage: 2017

Size: 750ml