Looking for something different in your white wine? Sick of Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio? Well, why not try something different? Fiano is an Italian grape variety that is taking the white wine world by storm. Similar to Chardonnay, Semillon, Pinot Grigio and Viognier, it is a great food wine which offers an abundance of flavours and is really ramping up in the Australian wine industry. In this Fiano wine guide, we’ll dive into what makes this white wine so special, what to look for, and what to pair it with.
Spotlight on Fiano
- Name: Fiano
- Pronounced: Fee-AH-noh
- Type of wine: White wine
- Body: Medium
- Acidity: medium to high
- Flavours: Citrus, floral, nutty
- Pairs with: Pairs with anything from creamy dishes to tomato-based sauces
- Serve: Chilled 7-12 degrees celsius
Fiano is a white Italian grape grown in the Campania region near Naples, and in Sicily. Flavour-wise you’ll get floral notes, honey, nuts, spice and broad fruit flavours. This is paired with a medium body and acidity which makes it a great food wine. It is known for being age-worthy and richer than other white wines. Fiano thrives in hot, dry climates which makes it perfect for many Australian wine regions. It is actually great at retaining acidity in heat, so it is a great adaptor to warmer temperatures, unlike Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay which can lose their acidity. Fiano can be made into a beautifully balanced and refreshing wine regardless of the heat!
Origin
Fiano originates from the province of Avellino in the Campania region near Naples in Italy. This grape has been traced back to ancient Rome and is believed to be the grape behind the Roman wine Apianum. It gets its name from the Latin ‘Vitis apiana’. It is said the grapes were so sweet that they were irresistible to bees! For many years it grew in the countryside for chucking into local wine blends. But in the 1990s Fiano went through its own renaissance, and in 2003 the Fiano de Avellino DOC was established to official recognise the wines.
Today, Fiano is seen as one of Italy’s great native grape varieties. It has since migrated to Australia where our warmer wine regions are having great success in producing this Italian grape. In the Riverland and Riverina regions which are famous for cheap, bulk wines, Fiano has helped local winemakers become known for exciting, cutting-edge wines.
Flavour profile
Fiano it a dry style white wine with moderate to high acidity. It has a medium body but can be made into either light and fresh wines, or full-bodied and textural wines depending on when it is picked.
The aromas of Fiano are warm and enveloping. Think ripe fruit, hazelnuts, flowers and honey. You’ll also find flavours of peach, apricot, melon and citrus. Palate wise it will fill your mouth with ample and rich flavours. This richness often also corresponds to higher alcohol content, with Fiano often sitting above 14%.
Where you’ll find Fiano
Fiano is primarily grown in the Campania region of Southern Italy and on Sicily. There is also a smaller production of Fiano in the Argentinian region of La Rioja north of Mendoza.
In Australia, you’ll find Fiano in many of our warmer wine regions. McLaren Vale, the Hunter Valley and the Granite Belt are well-known producers of Fiano, as well as the Riverland region. Production is increasing, but the number of vineyards growing this grape is still small.
What to look for
Fiano is normally consumed young where it will have intense flavours and aromas. Over time, Fiano will develop more spicy and nutty notes in the bottle and can be cellared for around 5-10 years.
Fiano will change in style depending on the growing conditions from fresh and mineral to indulgently rich. Traditionally, it is renowned for having strong flavours and a fuller body than other whites, but can be made into a lighter, fresher style if picked earlier. If you are looking to try the traditional style, make sure you seek out a wine with the DOCG Fiano di Avellino.
What to pair Fiano with
A Fiano wine guide wouldn’t be complete without talking about the perfect pairings! Fiano is a complex wine with a distinct texture which makes it a great food wine. It is versatile and pairs with a range of dishes from light fresh seafood to richer creamy dishes. It can also be paired with slightly acidic tomato-based sauces. If you want to go traditional, try seafood and Fiano for a perfect pairing! You could also pair it with a nice cheese platter and an afternoon with a glass in hand.
In summary: Fiano wine guide
Fiano is a perfect white wine if you’re looking to try something new. It is a bit bolder and richer than some other white wines making it a perfect food wine. Pair it with seafood, pasta or cheese for a taste sensation. Although it has been made famous by Italy, this wine is gaining popularity in Australia for its versatility and ability to hold acidity in heat. So the next time you’re looking for a refreshing white wine, give Fiano a go!