At a glance

Producer

Mastroberardino

Region

Campania, Italy

Grape variety

Aglianico

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

USD $90-140

Tasting profile

Aromas of black cherry, plum, tobacco, spice, leather, wild herbs; palate is structured with fresh acidity, dense tannins, and lingering finish.

Evolution: Primary dark fruit and floral notes will give way to more pronounced earth, leather, truffle, and spice over time.

At peak: At peak, expect an intense, elegant, harmonious wine with integrated tannins, complex tertiary aromas, and a velvety texture.

Structure

Acidity

High, contributes to freshness and longevity

Tannins

High, ripe, and refined

Alcohol

Medium to high (typically 13.5-14.5%)

Aging potential

Excellent; can age 20+ years in top vintages

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2027 to 2034

Optimal window

2024 to 2038

Current status

Entering optimal drinking window but will further improve with additional aging.

Current condition

Structured, youthful, with integrated but firm tannins and vibrant acidity showing primary and emerging secondary aromas.

2016 is considered an exceptional vintage in Taurasi, and Radici Riserva is known for its longevity. The wine is still youthful but beginning to show secondary complexity. Most bottles will hit their prime between 2027 and 2034, with mature character possible even through 2040 under ideal storage.

Food pairing

Pair with braised lamb, wild boar ragù, mature hard cheeses, truffle/tagliatelle dishes, or grilled game meats.

Serving

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — The wine has high tannins and is 9 years old, which suggests it could benefit from aeration to soften the tannins and enhance its aromatic profile.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Mastroberardino employs integrated pest management, minimal chemical inputs, maintains biodiversity in estate vineyards, and uses traditional, low-intervention winemaking. Limited efforts in renewable energy and water conservation are reported. Packaging is conventional (glass bottles, cork).

While Mastroberardino is deeply committed to its heritage and maintains responsible vineyard management in a historic region, it does not have third-party environmental certifications and does not widely publicize advanced sustainability measures (e.g., solar power, lightweight bottles). Efforts in biodiversity and low-intervention farming are commendable but do not set the estate apart as a leader in global sustainability. The use of traditional packaging and exports worldwide increase carbon output compared to locally consumed or organic-certified alternatives.