2022 Mastroberardino Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio, Campania, Italy

ABOUT THIS WINE

The 2022 Mastroberardino Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio Blanco is made from 100% native Coda di Volpe grown in the Vesuvian area of production. The soil here is loose, rich in mineral elements, and well draining. Exposure for this vineyard is mainly south-east at an altitude of about 175m above sea level. The density of plantation is on average 2,500 vines per ha and the plants are about 18 years old and trained with Arbour and espalier with Guyot pruning systems. Grapes are hand harvested in October and created using classic white wine vinification in stainless steel tanks with temperature control, followed by at least one month in the bottle before release.

On the nose, there are hints of ripe fruits, white peach, pear, typical aroma of liquorice and mineral notes. A well-structured and balanced wine, showing fine fruit and mineral notes on the palate.

 ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

Mastroberardino is what happens when 10 generations of grape whisperers say “no thanks” to trends and “yes please” to legacy. Since the early 1700s, this Irpinian icon has been a time capsule of Campania’s native grapes—like Fiano, Greco, and the brooding, age-defying Aglianico. When others ditched their roots for trendier international grapes, the Mastroberardinos doubled down on local heritage. And thank Dionysus they did.

Angelo kicked off exports in 1878. His son Michele took the wines global. And Antonio? He’s the reason we still sip Taurasi today—resurrecting vineyards post-WWII and earning the nickname “vine archaeologist.” Fast forward to now: Piero Mastroberardino blends tradition and innovation across 260 hectares and 17 estates. Their Radici Taurasi Riserva 2016 even cracked Wine Spectator’s Top 10 in 2023.

In short: they don’t just make wine. They bottle centuries.