Naturalis Historia 2000
The name Naturalis Historia is Mastroberardino's tribute to Pliny the Elder, a Roman historian who wrote at length about the agricultural practices of his day. In his 37-volume encyclopedia Historia Naturalis, Pliny lists the grape varieties then in common use, while also making careful note of vine-training techniques. Pliny was one of thousands of Romans killed when Mt. Vesuvius erupted in AD 79.
Naturalis Historia is the crowning glory of a process which began in the Mastroberardino family at the end of World War II: a rediscovery of the values and flavors of "Campania felix" (happy Campania), as the Romans referred to the famous wine region. A blend of Aglianico and Piedirosso, another ancient Campanian grape, Naturalis Historia is aged for 18 monts in barriques, then rest another 12 months in the bottle before release. The label features detail from one of the beautiful frescoes painted by Maria Micozzi adorning the ceiling of the Mastroberardino cellar.
Naturalis Historia is an intense, ruby red wine that releases full aromas of violets, berries, chocolate and tobacco. It is smooth and perfectly structured with characteristic flavors of plum, butter cherry, raspberry, strawberry jam, spices and black pepper. This wine is excellent with game and red meat dishes, as well as mature, highly flavored cheeses.
Classification: Irpinia IGT
Varietal Composition: 85%
Aglianico, 15% Piedirosso
Harvest Dates: 1-2 weeks, late October
Aging: 24 months in oak barrels and barriques
Bottle Refining: 12 months
Alcohol: 13.5%
Sugar: 0.20%
