Campania, Vesuvius & Mastroberardino
AROUND NAPLES
Mastroberardino, a 150+ year old estate located in Irpinia (about 1.5 hours due east from Naples), is known for producing high-end indigenous grapes — specifically focusing on Fiano, Greco & Aglianico — from its multiple properties.
art from the Mastroberardino website
OWNER & WINEMAKER
Piero Mastroberardino is the 10th generation of his family to run this estate. Winemaker, professor of Business Management, author of numerous international scientific publications on management issues, artist (with paintings & drawings in national & international collections), and writer of fiction & poetry with multiple published books, the following video is an interview with him talking about the history of his estate, the wines and the various micro-climates in the area.
PROPERTIES & VARIETALS
Mastroberardino has multiple properties (a few pictured below) within the estate. Here are details on the various vineyards> The winery focuses on the ancient, indigenous grapes of their region — two whites: Fiano & Greco and a red: Aglianico.
PARTNERSHIP WITH POMPEII
In the 1990’s, the Archaeological Superintendency of Pompeii awarded Mastroberardino (as a longstanding, historical winery in the area), the honor of restoring vineyards in the ancient city of Pompeii. It’s basically a research project aimed at reproducing vineyards and wine representative of what would have been available at that time. Here are some photos of the vineyards and of Mount Vesuvius. For more on this project>
TASTE THE WINES!
Here in Seattle, we have 5 of their wines in stock as part of a special promotion, with 4 of them on crazy-good sales. We hope you’ll use this opportunity to try these lesser-known noble grapes from Campania & the minerally soils of Mount Vesuvius. All tasting notes below are directly from the winery:
Mastroberardino 2018 Radici Fiano di Avellino
Reg $35.99 | INSIDER $23.99 | Mixed Case $19.19
“The grape Fiano was known in antiquity as “apiana” as it was noticed that bees had a particular affinity for this vine. A rare vine traditionally found near hazelnut orchards, Fiano d'Avellino appears to have adopted some of these notes into its flavor profile. The label reproduces a detail from a painting by Micozzi, which adorns the vaults of Mastroberardino's refined cellars.
Straw-yellow in color with aromas of pear, pineapple, acacia, toasted nut, honey and spring flowers. On the palate, this wine has excellent acidity, yet fine smoothness, with a hint of toasted almond in the finish. This wine is fine as an aperitif, especially with toasted nuts, but it is also well-paired with seafood and cashew or almond chicken.”
Mastroberardino 2018 Novaserra Greco di Tufo
Reg $35.99 | INSIDER $23.99 | Mixed Case $19.19
“The Mastroberardino family has rescued and relaunched the ancient Greco di Tufo vine, which was near extinction. Novaserra, made from rigorously selected grapes, has great organoleptic complexity. The label features details from a painting by De Rosa, which can be found on the ceiling of the winery’s cellar.
Deep straw yellow color. Prominent hints of apricot, pear, apple, peach, citrus, green almond, with hints of sage and mineral notes. Good acidity on the palate, mineral, flavours of ripe fruits. Great structure… A good pairing with vegetable soups, white meats, shellfish and elaborated seafood.”
Mastroberardino 2018 Lacryma Cristi Del Vesuvio Bianco
Reg $35.99 | INSIDER $23.99 | Mixed Case $19.19
“The name of this wine is entwined with a legend. According to the story, God cried when he found a corner of Heaven stolen by Lucifer and where his tears fell, there grew the grapes that make Lacryma Christi, which translates as "tears of Christ." Made from 100% Coda di Volpe grown in volcanic soil, this wine is fermented in stainless steel to preserve its unique, fresh profile.
Pale yellow in color, aromas of pear and other tree fruits complement undertones of white peach and licorice. On the palate, strident minerality and good body make this a well-structured, food-friendly wine. This wine is great as an aperitif, but it also pairs well with shrimp cocktails, Lyonnaise sauces, seafood risottos, and calamari friti.”
Mastroberardino 2017 Falanghina
Reg $23.99 | Mixed Case $19.19
“Falanghina is the primary grape for the Sannio appellation and is named after falangae, a Latin term for supporting stakes. Many believe this grape to have been the basis of the legendary Falernian wine, the most prized wine of ancient Rome, due to its unique profile and fragrance.
Pale lemon-green in color, aromas of ripe pineapples and citrus fruits are complemented by undertones of white flowers. On the palate, zesty acidity and persistent notes of honeysuckle and toasted almond make for a definite crowd-pleaser. Pair this wine with seafood stews, gremolata sauces, bucatini alla puttanesca, or crab ceviche.”
Mastroberardino 2018 Mastro Aglianico
Reg $25.99 | INSIDER $19.99 | Mixed Case $15.99
“Made from 100% Aglianico grapes, this wine is vinified in stainless steel and a few months in wood.
… The grapes chosen for this delicious wine bestow fruitful aromas of strawberry, cherry and blackberries. On the palate, the wine has a soft, texture and medium body with flavors of strawberry and cherry. This wine pairs well with typical Mediterranean cuisine such as baba ghanoush, lemon-roasted branzino or grilled lamb chops.”
Hope your curiosity is whetted!
Cheers,
Julie & Jens, owners
Portalis Wine Shop