All About Fiano Wine

Ciao! So, we know all about wine tasting, now here is a bit about Fiano wine.

White grapes are used to make Fiano wine that are grown in the Campania region in Italy. Fiano grapes are also being grown in Puglia and Sicily. These specific type of grape prefers to grow in volcanic soils or clay/heavy soils. Campania is rich with volcanic soil due to the region housing Mount Vesuvius. Fiano wine has honey and floral aroma notes, along with a honey, ripe pear, and toasted hazelnut taste. This is a very acidic and full-bodied wine.

The highest certification of quality a wine can receive is the DOCG. Fiano di Avellino, produced in Avellino, Campania, has that title. DOCG stands for Denomination of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin. Wines labeled as a DOCG have to follow certain guidelines throughout production. For Fiano di Avellino wine, at least 85% of the wine must be made from Fiano grapes. Mixing of grapes is allowed, but with only Greco, Coda di Velope, and Trebbiano grapes. The grapes used in DOCG Fiano di Avellino are limited to a maximum harvest yield of 10 tonnes per hectare. Lastly, these grapes must be fermented to a minimum alcohol content level of 11.5%Alc.

Let’s talk about the history of the Fiano di Avellino wine and grapes. The name ‘Fiano di Avellino’ is derived from what the Latins called, ‘Vitis Apiana’ — ‘api’ in Italian translated to ‘bees’ in English. The Fiano grapes are so sweet that it is said bees found them irresistible. It’s hard to believe, but these grapes originated over 2000 years ago. It is thought that the Fiano grapes used to be used to make an ancient Roman wine called ‘Apianum’. Actually, that name is permitted to appear on some labels of DOCG wines. Fiano grapes were so well-loved, it is said that Charles d’Anjou, Kind of Naples, planted 16,000 vines in the royal vineyard.

Among the many wineries in Italy, Donna Chiara Winery take pride in making their DOCG Fiano di Avellino wine. Donna Chiara Winery is located in Avellino, Campania and has been family run for 5 generations. Their philosophy revolves around less quantity in order to produce higher quality wines. Here at Donna Chiara Winery, Fiano grapes are pressed and cooled at 50 degrees Fahrenheit for 4-6 hours. Next, the grapes are soft crushed with static decantation (to learn more about this click here). The fermentation process then lasts for 15 days in steel vats between 57-60 degrees Fahrenheit. Fiano wines can benefit from 2-3 years of aging.

Some good food choices for a Fiano di Avellino wine are rich, creamy dishes or white meats. This includes food such as seafood, roasted chicken, a creamy cheese, or pasta.

Thanks for reading!