The Fiano grape variety most likely originated from the Campanian area and specifically from around the town of Avellino. Hence its well-known synonym of Fiano di Avellino. It used to be very widely spread in southern Italy and sometimes you can encounter varieties named as Fiano Aromatica or Fiano di Puglia. However, recent DNA research has shown that this is a different variety compared to Fiano. To avoid confusion the grape has now been renamed to Minutolo. In the early 20th century, plantings of Fiano have been heavily reduced and now it is mostly found in Campania and Sicilia. In Campania the grape appears as a blending or varietal component for several DOC wines and for the DOCG Fiano di Avellino. On the island of Sicilia, it can be found in the regional DOC Sicilia and the DOC Contesso Entellina. High-quality wines can also be made under the generic IGT Terre Siciliane. The grape is very adapted to heat and drought and is able to develop tropical fruit aromas, a wax-like structure and still retaining its natural acidity.
In the new world, the grape becomes popular in the Australian wine regions of McLaren Vale, Clare Valley and Hunter Valley, all with great results.
Still in the experimental phase, Fiano gets planted in Argentina as well, in the regions of La Rioja.
Aromas
The grape displays rich aromas of tropical fruit, like sugar melon, guava, apricot, peach, mango and pineapple. However, the acidity is always present and will present itself with aromas of lime, lemon, orange and orange peel, along with a touch of grapefruit. The grape loves to grow on the volcanic soils of both Campania and Sicilia and even though there is no correlation between the soil and certain aromas, obvious notes of flint and wet stones can be found.
Fiano lends itself beautifully for the aging on oak and further aging in the bottle. Thanks to the relatively high acidity and the volcanic soil most high-quality Fiano can easily reach 10 years, developing tertiary aromas such as dried peach, apple skin, roasted almonds and hazelnuts.
Wine Type
Full- bodied white wine
Colour
Medium lemon
Food Match
Thanks to its complex character and aging potential the wines made of this grape can be highly gastronomical. Younger Fiano wines with their green tropical fruit character and high acidity can match beautifully with the local Campanian dish of Pesce all’Acqua Pazza, which is mostly white fish, anchovies, fish broth, tomato, spices and herbs. Or try it with grilled octopus! Slightly richer or older Fiano can be served with white meat or poultry and grilled tuna (especially with a crunch of pistachio!). The richest examples that have been oak aged, or a Fiano that has developed its beautiful tertiary aromas will even do the trick with white and red flora cheeses or even foie gras!
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