Quintodecimo farms a handful of hectares in the hills around Avellino, in Campania, and Fiano is the grape the estate is known for. This is the Exultet, in magnum. Fiano di Avellino was among the first white wines in southern Italy to earn DOCG status, and the rules are strict about where it can come from and what can go into it.
- Fiano, the only grape allowed in the appellation.
- Fiano di Avellino DOCG, Campania, southern Italy.
- 2017, a warm vintage across the south.
- Dry, medium body, high acidity, low tannin.
- Magnum, 1.5 litres, 13.5% ABV.
How it is made
Fiano di Avellino DOCG is a hill wine. The vineyards sit at altitude in the Irpinian hills east of Naples, where volcanic and clay soils and cool nights keep the grape's natural acidity intact. Fiano is a thick-skinned variety that ripens late, and it holds its shape well in warm years.
How it tastes
White flowers and citrus first, then green apple. There is a mineral spine running through it and an almond note that shows up on the finish, which is the signature people look for in Fiano. High acid, medium weight, dry throughout.
Good to know
Fiano is an old Campanian grape, and it nearly disappeared. The phylloxera epidemic and the replanting that followed pushed it out of the vineyards in favour of higher-yielding varieties, and by the 1960s only a few hectares remained. Its revival came largely through the Irpinian hills, and Fiano di Avellino was granted DOCG in 2003.
