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Mastroberardino: Taurasi grape selection and aging
A producer working with local varieties in Irpinia, Campania. Their Radici Taurasi, made from Aglianico, began in 1986. For the Riserva, grapes are sourced from the Montemarano vineyard and undergo longer aging.
Explain the differences between the standard Radici and Riserva in terms of source location and duration in barrel and bottle.
Questions for this course
Is the only difference with Riserva the aging period?
Before you start reading, briefly jot down your thoughts. You will rephrase them at the end.
To applied practice using the material ↓
To explanation task notes ↓Mastroberardino / Learn from the producer
Italy / Campania / Irpinia
Also known as / Label: Mastroberardino / マストロベラルディーノ
Updated: 2026-10-07
Combine two locations
Radici Taurasi is 100% Aglianico. Grapes are sourced from Montemarano and Mirabella Eclano. The sources describe the former as southeast-facing with clay soils, while the latter is southwest-facing with deep sandy soils. The blend combines the same variety from different sites.
Riserva uses selected grapes
Riserva is also 100% Aglianico but uses only the higher vineyards of Montemarano. It cannot be explained as simply being regular Radici aged longer. In addition to the aging category, the selection of grape origin is also a distinction.
Read aging in barrel and bottle
According to standard technical materials, the usual aging is 24 months in barrel and about 24 months in bottle; for Riserva, about 30 months in barrel and about 42 months in bottle. This process is presented by the producer and does not indicate the statutory minimum period for Taurasi as a whole. When selecting by individual vintage, also check the documentation for that year.
What to align and what to compare.
Raw material
- Conditions to standardize
- Aglianico 100%
- Conditions for comparison.
- Two locations and selected vineyards
- Additional points to confirm
- Vintage year
Aging
- Conditions to standardize
- Uses both barrel and bottle
- Conditions for comparison.
- Each period
- Additional points to confirm
- Legal period and actual process
Comparisons
- Conditions to standardize
- The same producer.
- Conditions for comparison.
- Grapes and aging
- Additional points to confirm
- Do not compare by period alone
Order of reading and key points to consider in each article
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Document analysis for Mastroberardino: Taurasi grape selection and aging
Match comparison tables with cited sources and explain differences in raw materials and vinification process.
Comparison tables are based on the cited sources. Please distinguish between vintage-specific specifications and general descriptions at the time of confirmation.
| Comparison items | Radici | Radici Riserva |
|---|---|---|
| Grapes | Aglianico 100% | Aglianico 100% |
| Place | Montemarano and Mirabella Eclano | High-elevation vineyards in Montemarano |
| Barrel / Bottle | 24 months / about 24 months | About 30 months / about 42 months |
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Read the explanation for each question
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What does the standard Radici use?
Radici Taurasi is 100% Aglianico. Grapes are sourced from Montemarano and Mirabella Eclano. The sources describe the former as southeast-facing with clay soils, while the latter is southwest-facing with deep sandy soils. The blend combines the same variety from different sites.
What is different about Riserva?
Riserva is also 100% Aglianico but uses only the higher vineyards of Montemarano. It cannot be explained as simply being regular Radici aged longer. In addition to the aging category, the selection of grape origin is also a distinction.
What is the maturation period in the document?
According to standard technical materials, the usual aging is 24 months in barrel and about 24 months in bottle; for Riserva, about 30 months in barrel and about 42 months in bottle. This process is presented by the producer and does not indicate the statutory minimum period for Taurasi as a whole. When selecting by individual vintage, also check the documentation for that year.
Basis and sources for the exercise
Practice exercises in comparison
Match comparison tables with cited sources and explain differences in raw materials and vinification process.
Read examples of organizing comparisons
| Conditions for Comparison | Radici | Radici Riserva |
|---|---|---|
| Grapes | Aglianico 100% | Aglianico 100% |
| Place | Montemarano and Mirabella Eclano | High-elevation vineyards in Montemarano |
| Barrel / Bottle | 24 months / about 24 months | About 30 months / about 42 months |
Sources of materials used for comparison are listed in the text and exercises.
Explain in your own words
Explain the differences between the standard Radici and Riserva in terms of source location and duration in barrel and bottle.
Check after writing
- Did you associate each label with its region and grape variety?
- Did you separate the shared and differing conditions in your comparison?
- Did you clearly indicate the year(s) the material covers or the date checked?
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