Australian Fiano wine regional and flavour profile

WHITE | LIGHT BODY

Fiano tastes and aromas

Mandarin, melon and lemon rind, as well as nutty, herbal flavours with smoky spicy notes and hazelnuts

Fiano mouthfeel

Light wines of moderate to high acidity.

Fiano cellaring potential

Usually produced to be consumed young, in its youth Fiano is often intensely flavoured and aromatic with honey notes. Over time, aged Fiano has potential to develop several years after the vintage date and acquires more spicy and nutty notes.

Facts about Fiano

• The grape variety Fiano originates from the province of Avellino in the Campania region east of Naples. The variety takes its name from the Latin ‘Vitis apiana’, as the grapes were so sweet they proved to be irresistible to bees (“api”).

Australian regions that produce Fiano

Fiano is a white Italian grape variety, however within Australia, several producers have begun to use the grape. Production seems to be increasing, although the number of vineyards growing it is still small. One place of production is in the McLaren Vale wine region of South Australia.

Outside of Australia, Fiano is grown primarily in the Campania region of southern Italy and on the island of Sicily. In Campania, this fairly strong flavoured white wine grape is particularly noted around Avellino where the Denominazione di origine controllata e Garantita (DOCG) wine of Fiano di Avellino is produced. The grape has a long history in the Campanian region and is believed to have been the grape behind the ancient Roman wine Apianum. Even today, the name Apianum is permitted to appear on wine labels of the DOCG wine Fiano di Avellino.

Outside of Italy, some winemakers in Argentina are producing Fiano in the La Rioja district, north of Mendoza.

What food to pair with Fiano

Fiano’s complexity and distinctive texture means it can compliment a wide range of dishes, from light fresh seafood in summer, to richer shellfish, poultry and even red meat dishes in the cooler months.