This is rich and layered, its dark berry flavors woven with notes of crunchy herbs, smoked meat and tobacco. Dense, schisty tannins keep the flavors taut as brisk acidity propels the wine to a balanced, iron-tinged finish.
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. It was 9th generation, Antonio Mastroberardino, who brought the winery international recognition, but his career was initially mired in hardship. Returning home after WWII, Antonio found his family's estate in ruins; the 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.
