Mastroberardino 2023 Radici Fiano di Avellino DOCG 750ml

Mastroberardino is practically synonymous with Campanian wine, and the Radici Fiano di Avellino is the estate's signature expression of it. Grown at 500 to 600 meters on the sandy, mineral-rich soils of the Santo Stefano del Sole estate, this is a Fiano built with real density and structure — a far cry from the light, simple whites the grape can produce elsewhere. The 2023 vintage delivers the layered fruit, floral lift, and saline mineral edge that have made this bottling a benchmark for the entire Fiano di Avellino appellation.

Origins & Craftsmanship

Mastroberardino's roots in Campania run deep — the family's involvement in Irpinian viticulture traces back to the early 1700s, with the business formally registered in Avellino in 1878. Based in Atripalda, the estate has long been credited with preserving and championing Campania's ancient indigenous grape varieties, including Fiano, Greco, Aglianico, Falanghina, Piedirosso, and Coda di Volpe, at a time when many growers were replanting with more commercial international varieties.

Radici — meaning "roots" — is produced entirely from the Santo Stefano del Sole estate, a 10-hectare property dedicated exclusively to Fiano. The vineyard sits on an open, elevated terrace between 500 and 600 meters above sea level, facing southwest, with sandy-loam soils over clay and limestone-sandstone bedrock. Vines are trained using the guyot method at a density of about 4,000 vines per hectare. The site's altitude and constant ventilation help preserve the grape's natural acidity and aromatic lift, contributing to the wine's complexity and notable aging potential relative to most Fiano di Avellino.

Grapes are hand-harvested in the second half of October, then vinified entirely in stainless steel over roughly 20 days at controlled temperatures of 16 to 18°C, preserving the fruit's freshness and varietal character. The wine then rests in bottle for three to four months before release. The label itself carries a piece of the estate's history: it reproduces a detail from a painting by Maria Micozzi found on a vault inside the winery's aging caves.

Critics Reviews

James Suckling awarded the 2023 Radici Fiano di Avellino 94 points, praising its density and creaminess alongside bright, juicy acidity and notes of spiced lemon, white nectarine, and dried flowers. Aggregated critic data across major reviewers puts the broader 2023 vintage average for this wine around 90 points, consistent with the strong, steady reputation this bottling has built across two decades of vintages.

Tasting Profile

Nose: Complex and layered, with pear, pineapple, and citrus giving way to acacia blossom, hawthorn, hazelnut, and hints of toasted nut and beeswax.

Palate: Medium-bodied and textured, balancing bright acidity with real richness — ripe pear, grapefruit, and almond carried on a broad, creamy frame.

Finish: Long and mineral, closing on a saline, dried-fruit note that reflects the estate's high-altitude, mineral-driven terroir.

Quick Overview

Food Pairings

This Fiano's density and mineral backbone make it a natural with grilled or roasted seafood, shellfish soups, and roast white meats. It also pairs beautifully with creamy risottos, chickpea and prawn preparations, or a simple plate of aged pecorino and marcona almonds.