Mastroberardino : Stilèma Greco di Tufo Riserva 2018

A mineral and delicate Campania wine

The estate

An essential reference among fine wines from the south of Italy, the Mastroberardino estate testifies to a unique winegrowing heritage. For over 300 years, 10 generations of winegrowers have succeeded one another from father to son, all driven by passion and the desire to highlight the unique terroir of Campania. The family's historic winery is located in Atripalda. The estate is now represented by Piero Mastroberardino.

The vineyard

Mastroberardino reigns over an exceptional winegrowing heritage comprising 250 hectares of vines that spread over 17 estates in various regions of Campania, including Irpinia. The complexity, modernity and extraordinary organoleptic richness of the Stilèma Greco di Tufo wines is the fruit of blends comprising different Mastroberardino vineyards such as Montefusco, Tufo and Petruro Irpino for this wine. These vineyards stand out due to the presence of sandy and silty soils with a significant presence of limestone. The hills of the Irpinia region give rise to a particular microclimate that allows the wines to have a pleasant acidity, freshness and elegance.

The wine

Stilèma Greco di Tufo DOCG is the result of a long project that pays tribute to Antonio Mastroberardino, to his love for his land, his vines and his wines. Known as the "archaeologist" of vines, Antonio Mastroberardino has worked all his life to preserve the organoleptic qualities of the grape varieties depending on the terroir. The Stilèma project was born at the beginning of the year 2000, carrying out various experimental projects. This project led to the selection of pre-phylloxera clones while reviewing the protocols both in the vineyard and in the cellar. This project has thus helped to reaffirm the identity of the wines of Ipinia by participating in the wine revolution that is driving the Campania region. Over the years, a whole series of measures has been implemented under the name "Stilèma". The aim of Stilèma is to provide an understanding of the winemaking style of the native varieties of Ipinia such as Greco, Fiano and Aglianico. In 2015, the first experimentation of the Stilèma project took place with vintages featuring the Fiano and Aglianico varietals. The 2018 Stilèma Greco di Tufo Riserva is the culmination of this 3-stage project. This Campania wine is inspired by the model of fine Irpinia white wines produced in the 1970s and 1980s.

After 2017, 2018 is the second vintage produced as Riserva. This distinction highlights, according to the new regulations of the Greco di Tufo DOCG appellation, a prolonged ageing process that favours the wine's optimal quality.

The vintage

A particularly mild winter preceded a rainy and cool spring, resulting in a slow and gradual ripening of the grapes. The subsequent mild conditions led to the harvesting of high-quality grapes, resulting in a fine, fresh and mineral vintage.

Vinification

During the winemaking process, special attention was paid to the malolactic fermentation phase and the maturation phase. Around 7% of the wines were fermented and aged for 12 months in wooden vats. The wine is aged on its lees for 18 months. Thanks to this long ageing on the lees, the wines have a remarkable longevity and sapid expression on the palate, a typical feature of fine white wines from Irpinia.

The blend

100% Greco di Tufo.

Stilèma Greco di Tufo Riserva 2018 by Mastroberardino: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Colour

This wine showcases a beautiful straw yellow colour.

Nose

The expressive and elegant nose blends smoky and fruity fragrances with subtle iodine notes.

Palate

The palate is seduced by this wine’s minerality and refreshing salinity.