Posted By Joel on June 22, 2009

Are you up for learning a bit of ancient Roman winespeak?

Easy.  “Vitis Apiana”, spelled just like it sounds

Translation:  Fiano di Avellino !

Fiano, an antique vine of the Campania region of Italy, was known to the Romans by its Latin name vitis apiana, referring to the “api” or bees attracted to the honey sweet clusters of Fiano grapes.

Feudi di San Gregorio, Producer Snapshot:

Located in the Irpinia region of Campania at Sorbo Serpico and established in 1986, Feudi di San Gregorio is a great champion of varietals native to Campania and Southern Italy. Feudi’s wine book is a diverse catalog based upon ancient varietals with wines presented in a updated style showcasing regional terroir while maintaining a vital link with tradition.  Feudi retains the services of Riccardo Cotarella, one of Italy’s elite consulting winemaker-oenologists.

The wine:

This Fiano di Avellino is made of 100% Fiano grapes grown in the volcanic soil of Campania’s Irpinia region. Irpania, or “land of wolves” as it was known by the the Osci tribes who inhabited its woodlands, derived its name from the Oscan word “hirpus”, meaning wolf.  Today, the wolf remains the symbol of the province of Avellino where Fiano is grown.

Grapes harvested by hand from production areas that include the communes of Candida, Parolise and Sorbo Serpico are destemmed, gently pressed, and left briefly on the skins. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel.

Tasting Notes / Impressions:

A lovely straw yellow with enticing scents of toasted hazelnuts, herbs, and spring honey.  The wine shows an amazing harmonization of flavors that include fresh peach, pear and dried dried orange peel. Supple on the palate with good, clean acidity, mineral and salt notes.  Nicely structured with an aristocratic personality, medium body and a long, creamy finish.

Food Pairing Suggestions:

A sublime choice for Fish / Seafood:  great with elegant dishes like fettucine with lobster, or less formally with linguine and clam sauce, or even a humble fisherman’s platter of fried seafoods; Poultry:  try boneless chicken breast with artichokes, capers, and sun dried tomatoes; or a turkey “rollatini” with prosciutto and peppers; Risotto:  seafood risotto.  Also:  this wine is a winner with Neopolitan style pizza and / or grilled vegetables.

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Categories: $ (Under $25), Campania, Wine
Tags: Fiano