The Story of Mastroberardino – The Soul of Irpinia Between Tradition and Vision
Written by
Daniel Marcella
Published
4/11/2025
8 min. read
When I talk about Mastroberardino, I’m not just talking about wine. I’m talking about a story that has crossed centuries — a family that has defended, with heart and perseverance, the deepest roots of Irpinia and Campania. It’s a story made of people, vineyards, and choices driven by love and integrity. A story that has turned a corner of southern Italy into one of the most respected wine regions in the world.
The Roots
The earliest records of the Mastroberardino family date back to the mid-1700s, when they established their first cellars in Atripalda, a small town in the heart of Irpinia. From that moment, ten generations have continued this legacy, cultivating not only vines but also a philosophy — one built on respect for the land, consistency, and authenticity.
Throughout its long history, the family has faced challenges and triumphs alike, yet one principle has remained unchanged: the preservation and promotion of native grape varieties. Wines such as Aglianico, Fiano, Greco, Falanghina, Piedirosso, and Coda di Volpe — ancient varieties dating back to Greek and Roman times — are still at the core of their identity.
The Courage of Antonio & The Continuity of Piero
If today Irpinia’s wines are recognised worldwide, we owe much of that to Antonio Mastroberardino. At a time when many producers abandoned their native grapes in favour of more profitable international varieties, Antonio chose to protect tradition.
He rebuilt after the devastation of phylloxera and the war, replanting vineyards and reviving forgotten clones. His tireless work safeguarded Irpinia’s viticultural heritage, helping it rise to global acclaim. Through his leadership, the Taurasi DOCG became a symbol of Italian excellence, a red wine capable of standing beside the great classics of the world.
The Continuity of Piero
Today, the family legacy continues under Piero Mastroberardino, the tenth generation. A professor of Business Management and a talented artist, Piero has brought new life to the family’s vision, blending research, culture, and creativity.
Under his direction, the Mastroberardino estates have become more than vineyards — they are centres of wine culture and hospitality, places where tradition meets innovation, and where visitors can experience the soul of Irpinia through wine, art, and landscape.
The Estates — Where Heritage Lives
Tenuta di Mirabella Eclano The beating heart of the Mastroberardino project. Sixty-five hectares of rolling hills, with calcareous marl soils ideal for Aglianico and Falanghina. This is where iconic wines like Naturalis Historia Taurasi DOCG, Radici Taurasi DOCG, and Redimore Irpinia Aglianico DOC are born.
It’s also home to Radici Resort and the Morabianca Restaurant, surrounded by olive trees and vineyards — a destination where wine, food, and relaxation meet in perfect harmony.
Tenuta di Apice Forty-two hectares in the Sannio area, dedicated to Falanghina del Sannio DOC. Here, the sandy and mineral-rich soils, together with the altitude, give Falanghina an exceptional aromatic depth and freshness. The slow ripening process enhances balance and finesse, producing wines that embody southern elegance.
Tenuta di Montemarano Located in the southernmost part of the Taurasi DOCG zone, Montemarano is a place of legend. At 500–650 metres above sea level, it’s a land of steep slopes and extreme temperature variations — perfect for Aglianico, the backbone of Radici Taurasi DOCG Riserva and the sweet Antheres Passito.
These vineyards, often harvested in November, yield grapes rich in noble tannins and acidity, ideal for wines of depth, power, and longevity.
Innovation and Identity
Every Mastroberardino wine reflects a balance between tradition and innovation. The family has always invested in scientific research, clone selection, and micro-vinification experiments, ensuring each bottle expresses the full identity of its terroir.
From the structured and soulful Taurasi, to the mineral tension of Greco, the elegance of Fiano, and the sunny brightness of Falanghina, each label tells the story of a region that continues to inspire wine lovers worldwide.