Grape Variety: Fiano di Avellino

Colour: White

Found chiefly in Campania, Fiano’s name supposedly derives from the Latin ‘vitis Apiana’ - meaning the vine of the bees - because the grapes were so sweet that the bees couldn’t resist them. Of course they couldn’t. Fiano is a vigorous vine that flourishes on the volcanic soils of Campania; it also grows on clay, The wines from it tend to be pale straw yellow and have elegant aromas - both fruity and floral with pleasant mineral hints that with age are enriched with resinous notes and honey flavours. On the palate they are dry, fine, savoury, well-structured and balanced. Appreciable for their aromatic persistence, exalting the long sensations of peach and ripe pear, they can also be quite smoky.  Guido Marsella’s (Summonte, Avellino) version of this wine has been rated by two of Italy’s top wine journalists as one of Italy’s top 100 wines - this is a deliciously pure style of Fiano with restrained, subtle, yet concentrated notes of peach kernel and toasted hazelnuts. The Fiano di Avellino from Azienda Agricola Tenuta Ponte (Lugosano) is more commercial with ripe citrus flavours, underpinned by a firm minerality. Vibrant acidity with floral notes of hay, mint and menthol. Try with stuffed baby squid or courgette flowers with ricotta cheese.