Just inland from the chaos of Naples, Taurasi is one of the most idyllic and historic wine regions in Italy. Winemaking has been a popular thing to do since at least 800 B.C. in this elevated hill-country formed by ancient volcanos. Today, this is prime territory for Aglianico, an ancient red variety known for making some of the finest, quintessentially Italian wines with bold structures, wild and savory aromas and an appetizingly dry finish. It might have been a different story if not for the heroic efforts of Antonio Mastroberardino, who championed traditional grape varieties, and helped to lift his home region out of obscurity.
JAMES SUCKLING 96 POINTS - "Aromas of dark cherries and cedar with a touch of elderberries and a pleasant floral component. The palate is medium- to full-bodied with chalky tannins complemented by elegant concentration that leads to a persistent and elegant finish. Better from 2027."
"Like chiseling through an ashen stone to find a treasure trove of exotic spices, incense and cinnamon-tinged black currants, the 2018 Taurasi Radici makes itself known. This is a soft and generous expression of Radici, with depths of tart black fruit offset by dark chocolate and sour citrus notes. It finishes with tremendous length but without the typically harsh tannins associated with Aglianico in its youth, leaving behind inner earth and herbal tones. The 2018 ends with a salty flourish. This is a much more forward expression of Radici. That said, I expect it will give much pleasure over the medium term. " - Eric Guido, VINOUS MEDIA
The 2018 Mastroberardino "Radici" Taurasi is an expressive mix of ripely-toned red and black fruits, dark spices like licorice root, pepper and incense, barrel notes of cedar, clove and dark cocoa, along with wild herbal and savory notes of camphor, tobacco leaf, olive and musk. The moderately firm structure of grainy tannins and core of acidity are enrobed in the fruit, giving the wine an inner liveliness and flow, and a finish that balances a dry richness with a lifted tangy berry and citrus vibrancy. Some great dishes for this marry flavor-rich meats, legumes, herbs and some acidity, like lamb shank with lemony lentils or a rich Neapolitan ragú!
JAMES SUCKLING 96 POINTS - "Aromas of dark cherries and cedar with a touch of elderberries and a pleasant floral component. The palate is medium- to full-bodied with chalky tannins complemented by elegant concentration that leads to a persistent and elegant finish. Better from 2027."
"Like chiseling through an ashen stone to find a treasure trove of exotic spices, incense and cinnamon-tinged black currants, the 2018 Taurasi Radici makes itself known. This is a soft and generous expression of Radici, with depths of tart black fruit offset by dark chocolate and sour citrus notes. It finishes with tremendous length but without the typically harsh tannins associated with Aglianico in its youth, leaving behind inner earth and herbal tones. The 2018 ends with a salty flourish. This is a much more forward expression of Radici. That said, I expect it will give much pleasure over the medium term. " - Eric Guido, VINOUS MEDIA
The 2018 Mastroberardino "Radici" Taurasi is an expressive mix of ripely-toned red and black fruits, dark spices like licorice root, pepper and incense, barrel notes of cedar, clove and dark cocoa, along with wild herbal and savory notes of camphor, tobacco leaf, olive and musk. The moderately firm structure of grainy tannins and core of acidity are enrobed in the fruit, giving the wine an inner liveliness and flow, and a finish that balances a dry richness with a lifted tangy berry and citrus vibrancy. Some great dishes for this marry flavor-rich meats, legumes, herbs and some acidity, like lamb shank with lemony lentils or a rich Neapolitan ragú!
