The DOCG Fiano di Avellino is an appellation of white wines from Campania. These southern Italian wines are considered to be the best expression of the Fiano grape, one of the country’s indigenous varieties. The appellation was first established as DOC (denominazione di origine controllata) in 1978 and then promoted to DOCG (denominazione di origine controllata e garantita) in 2003.
The story goes that the King of Naples, Charles d'Anjou, became so enamoured of the wine that he had 16,000 Fiano vines planted in the kingdom's vineyards in the Middle Ages.
The climate of this wine-growing area is decidedly Mediterranean. The warm summers and mild winters are punctuated by sufficient rainfall to allow the Fiano grapes to ripen well. Campania's proximity to the mountainous areas of the Apennine chain ensures a mild microclimate.
The vineyards cover more than 394 hectares around the town of Avellino. Fiano, present for more than 2,000 years on the lands of Avellino, dominates the local vineyard. This white grape variety must represent at least 85% of the blend of white wines of the DOCG Fiano di Avellino.
The white wines of this appellation are characterised by a straw yellow colour. The notes are fruity and nuanced by scents of spices and hazelnut. DOCG Fiano di Avellino wines have a lively acidity on the palate and a certain minerality depending on the terroir they come from.
DOCG Fiano di Avellino white wines should be tasted within 3 to 5 years for the most part, and up to ten years for wines from the best vineyards and produced from an exceptional vintage.
