History and Origins: The Mystery of Fiano di Avellino
Fiano di Avellino is one of the oldest and most famous white grape varieties of southern Italy and, together with its brothers Falanghina and Greco di Tufo, represents one of the excellences of Campania. Its origins are shrouded in mystery and only in recent years has an attempt been made to retrace its family tree. In all likelihood, the Greeks seem to have spread it in the municipality of Lapio, calling it 'Apina' for its sweet nectar that attracted bees. Other studies have suggested that its original name derived from the settlers coming from the Peloponnese, ancient Apia, who were the first to introduce it into southern Italy.
Some famous Latin authors, such as Pliny the Elder, speak of a certain 'vitis apiana' that gave birth to a sweet drink, especially appreciated by Roman emperors. It seems, however, that this grape, particularly popular in ancient Rome, was actually Moscato, although research is still ongoing.
The first historical evidence of Fiano di Avellino wine dates back to the 13th century in a document of sale issued by Frederick II of Swabia. A century later, Charles II of Anjou, King of Naples and Sicily, bought 16,000 Fiano vines to plant on his royal estate in the town of Manfredonia.
This was the starting point for the rise of this great wine, which over the years spread to the medieval courts of the Irpinia area. In 1800 it reached such a high level of production that it was eventually exported to France, and it was during this period that the Avellino School of Viticulture & Enology was founded, specifying the production methods to produce a white wine of great quality.
The phylloxera outbreak then struck and drastically reduced production. The following years were tough and demanding, although it slowly got back on its feet with the help of American grafting and thanks to the work carried out by the Mastroberardino family. They purchased the grapes from local farmers so that they would not be replaced by other international varieties.
In 2003, Fiano di Avellino DOCG was born, providing a guarantee and certainty that confirms it as one of the most important white wines of the Italian peninsula.
The Terroir and its Characteristics
Widespread in almost the entire province of Avellino, the historical and most famous area is that of Irpinia. This is a geographical district of extreme beauty, a plateau shaped by smooth valleys and mountain ranges, surrounded by Mount Vulture, the Picentini mountains, the Sannio mountains and finally the Dauni mountains. In this unique and stupendous corner of paradise, bathed all year round by the scorching Mediterranean sun, cooled by the sea breezes that rise from the Tyrrhenian Sea and crossed by the Calore river that divides it into two sub-regions, the perfect climatic conditions have been found for growing vines. Colours, fragrances, flavours and traditions merge in Campania's Fiano di Avellino, producing a highly expressive white wine that is the result of a territory rich in history and culture.
In the glass it has a straw-yellow colour that tends towards green, which can turn to golden shades in the more developed versions. Its most important characteristic is its intense and rich aromatic bouquet, which, according to recent studies, includes no less than 39 aromatic compounds. Hints of apple, pear, hazelnut, tea, white flowers and aromatic herbs blend with typical mineral, savoury and Mediterranean notes. In addition, when aged in wooden barrels, it can develop notes of dried fruit, vanilla and honey. On the palate, this wine is characterised by a vibrant and decisive freshness, with a mineral imprint, balancing a full-bodied and smooth taste that is deep and of sublime elegance.
For all those who love good food and wine, Callmewine offers a wide selection of the best Campania white wines selected by our expert sommeliers. Discover Fiano di Avellino prices, characteristics and suggested pairings on Callmewine's online wine shop.
