Day 26 | Fiano di Avellino DOCG
Deep in Campania’s Irpinia district, the white grape Fiano reaches its pinnacle in Fiano di Avellino DOCG. Grown on breezy ridges 400–700 m above sea level, Fiano ripens slowly, retaining racy acidity while gaining layers of lime zest, ripe stone fruit, herbs, and flint‑smoke. Volcanic tufo and limestone soils add salty drive, and the wines age gracefully, shifting from peach and honey to hazelnut and beeswax over a decade or more.
Defining Traits of Fiano di Avellino
Subtle Smoky Note - Volcanic tufo imparts a faint gunflint edge that sets Fiano apart from more floral Italian whites.
Age‑worthy Texture - High dry‑extract and low pH give a waxy mid‑palate that deepens into toasted nut and acacia with time.
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Terroir & Winemaking Deep Dive
Irpinia’s hills sit west of the Apennines, channeling cool evening air that preserves acidity despite hot Mediterranean days. Soils alternate between crumbly yellow tufo (volcanic ash) and limestone marls, pushing roots deep and concentrating mineral salts. Fermentations are mostly stainless at 14 - 16 °C to lock in aromatics; select cuvées spend 6–12 months sur lie in steel or large acacia casks, developing lanolin texture without oak flavor. Top producers bottle unfiltered and release later, knowing Fiano’s subtle honeyed complexity blossoms after 3–5 years.
Producers to Visit
Feudi di San Gregorio – Pietracalda shows lime, broom flower, and smoky minerals with a silky core.
Pietracupa – Razor focus → citrus peel, wet stone, and long, saline finish.
Ciro Picariello – High‑altitude Summonte fruit yields racy grapefruit, white pepper, and electric acidity.
Travel Spotlight – Exploring Avellino & Irpinia
Stay
Radici Resort – Boutique suites on a hillside vineyard. The morning fog lifts to reveal chestnut forests and vine rows stretching toward Mount Terminio.
Dine
Ristorante San Gregorio (Sorbo Serpico) – Michelin‑starred restaurant adjacent to Feudi. The tasting menu of local porcini, rabbit, and aged caciocavallo will pair perfectly with your flight of single‑vineyard Fiano.
Swirl
Hike the Partenio Regional Park chestnut trails with a chilled half‑bottle of Fiano and take in the panoramic views.
Quiz
How do volcanic tufo soils influence both the smoky note and saline length found in Fiano di Avellino?
Why does sur‑lie aging in neutral vessels, rather than new oak, best highlight Fiano’s aging potential and aromatic profile?