The estate’s 2005 Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio Rosso (100% Piedirosso) is one of the more unusual wines I encountered in my tastings. This soft, polished red offers a beguiling array of dark cherries, plums, tobacco and wild herbs. A final note of sweetness lingers on the pretty finish. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2012.
Terredora boasts one of the most consistently strong line-ups in Campania. The estate was created when the Mastroberardino family split up some years ago. Lucio Mastroberardino gave up the right to use his family’s illustrious name, but he kept the vineyards. Based on what I have tasted in recent years, I would say he got the better side of the deal, even if his wines aren’t as well-known as they deserve to be.
Importer: Vias Imports, New York, NY; tel. (212) 629-0200