WINE INFORMATION
Campania is located in southwest Italy; Naples is the capital. In ancient times, the region produced some of Italy’s most famous wines. It offers abundant sun, hillsides well-suited to vineyards, wonderful volcanic soils, and a number of interesting indigenous varieties of grapes. Aglianico is Campania’s finest red grape. The grape is believed to be of Greek origin, with the name a corruption of Ellenico; unfortunately, DNA profiling has shown no relationship to any known Greek grape variety. It buds early and ripens very late (November harvests are not uncommon), so warm climate is essential. Tannins are fierce and yields are small. Grapes are generally harvested by hand. Taurasi produces Campania’s finest Aglianico.
The Mastroberardino family has grown grapes in Campania for 11 generations. The present winery was built in 1878 in Avellino by an earlier Angelo, inherited by his son Michele, followed by his grandson Angelo. His sons Antonio and Walter took over upon his death, and Walter started his own project in 1978, named after his wife Dora. In 1994, the brothers severed their relationship, with Walter’s family focusing on Terredora. Antonio kept the family name and winery; Walter kept most of the best vineyards. He is now the biggest landowner in Campania, with almost 500 acres of vines, and produces more wine than anyone else. The climate here is Mediterranean with significant diurnal temperature swings. Soils are calcareous clay.
Grapes for this wine come from a combination of estate and purchased fruit. After harvest, maceration on the skins occurs for about a week prior to fermentation. Once the fermentation is complete the wine is kept in a combination of stainless steel tanks and French oak barrels for a few months, to maintain its good aromatic freshness it is bottled young.
TASTING NOTES
Dark plum, small wild blackberries, and smoke aromas lead to bramble and blackberry flavors with a good fruit-savory balance. It is still a bit young but open 30 minutes before drinking and it will shine.
FOOD PAIRING
The serious tannins in this wine call for serious food matches with strong flavors and a noticeable fat component. Try aged blue cheeses, lamb, beef, and very hearty lentil/bean dishes.
Charcuterie, Cheese, Chicken/Turkey, Duck, Grilled preparations, Lamb, Mushrooms, Pizza, Red Meat, Roasted Root Vegetables, Tapas, Tomato Sauce, Wild Game