Fiano is one of Campania’s historic white grape varieties, with a very long history, particularly in Irpinia. Its origins have been linked to the ‘apiane’ grapes mentioned by Latin authors, a theory which also explains its traditional connection with the ancient wine Apianum, although its history remains open to various interpretations. Today, it finds its most celebrated expression in the hills of the province of Avellino, particularly in the Lapio area, but it is also widely grown in the Sannio, the Cilento and other parts of Campania; it is also found in Puglia and, with interesting results, in Sicily and the Marche.
From an ampelographic point of view, it has medium-sized, orbicular leaves, generally three- or five-lobed. The bunch is small to medium in size, pyramid-shaped, often featuring a well-developed wing and characterised by fairly tightly packed berries. The berries, which are golden-yellow and sometimes take on a reddish hue in the most exposed parts, have a thick, tough skin, juicy flesh and a good capacity for late ripening.
The wine is straw-yellow in colour, sometimes becoming more intense with ageing. On the nose, it offers aromas of white flowers, peach, exotic fruit, citrus and elegant hints of hazelnut; on the palate, it is structured, savoury, fresh and persistent. Its good acidity and complexity give it remarkable ageing potential – rare amongst Italian whites – with the development of mineral, toasty and honeyed notes.
