Avellino Wine Region

Fiano di Avellino is a white DOCG wine that is produced in the green plateau of Irpinia, a mountainous region of the Campania hinterland with breathtaking landscapes and ancient history. Fiano di Avellino wines’ unparalleled elegance is due to the specific soils, clayey, calcareous, volcanic, altitudes, strong temperature ranges from July to September and strict production regulations. These elements inspire a style of wine found nowhere else in Italy, or the world for that matter.  We hope you will enjoy discovering the classic wines that make Avellino a favorite for wine drinkers worldwide. Tour our site to discover what Wineries in Avellino have to offer and start planning for your holiday today.

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Avelliano Wine Region

Where is the Fiano di  Avellino Wine Region?

Fiano di Avellino DOCG is a high valued subregion of Campania wine region. It is placed in Avellino province, southern part of Italy.

Unique terroir of Fiano di Avellino appellation

Four diverse regions of Irpinia produce Fiano di Avellino DOCG, and each of these regions has its own unique characteristics, such as soil type, exposure to sunlight, and vineyard elevation. 

• In Lapio, the Fiano di Avellino's native land, volcanic soils frequently alternate with clay soils to produce a particularly structured, acidic, and mineral wine. 
• The Summonte region, known for its challenging soils, produces wines with a lot of strength and concentration that stand out for their fruity flavors.
• The soils on the hill of Montefredane include clay, which protects the grapes from dry periods and permits a consistent ripening of the grapes, ensuring a strong fixed acidity and producing wines that are more reserved in youth but have a long shelf life. 
• Finally, there are other towns in the hilly area east of Avellino that are suited for growing Fiano since the area produces lighter wines with a wide range of aromatic flavors due to the presence of sand.

History of Fiano di Avellino wine region

The tradition of producing Fiano di Avellino DOCG wine dates back to the Middle Ages. White wine made from the Fiano vine was historically called as "Vitis Apicia" because of the plant's ability to draw swarms of bees to the pleasant aroma of the grape. The earliest vines were planted in the province of Lapio, in the internal region known as Irpinia, during the period of Greek domination, which is when the original Fiano grape arrived in Italy.

The village of Lapio, which might be considered the historical center of winemaking, is accorded a significant place. 

When wine output surpassed one million hectoliters in the nineteenth century, a railroad was built for export that linked the major wine-producing regions of Irpinia with Italian and European towns. Avellino and Lapio are the only two stations that have survived thus far.

At the same period, the Royal School of Winemaking and Oenology was established in Avellino. The public was given access to "experiments" undertaken with 14 samples of Fiano wines in 1882 by the school's director Michele Carlucci. These wines were vinified individually and using various techniques. 

Fiano di Avellino DOCG wines can now be produced in a small four sub-areas of Avellino: Lapio, Summonte, Montefredane and a significant portion of the eastern hilly area surrounding the city of Avellino. The Fiano di Avellino wine region was approved with the DOC appellation level in 1978 and received the DOCG designation in 2003.

What is Fiano di Avellino Wine?

The Fiano di Avellino DOCG is given to wines made exclusively from Fiano, Greco, Coda di Volpe, and Trebbiano Toscano grapes, in both basic and reserve versions. 

Fiano di Avellino must follow to strict processing standards in order to comply with DOCG regulations. A minimum of 85% fiano grapes must be used in the making of Fiano di Avellino. 

Greco di Tufo, Trebbiano toscano, and Coda di Volpe are additional grape varietals that are allowed, up to a maximum of 15%.

The organoleptic characteristics of Fiano di Avellino DOCG wine:

The Fiano di Avellino DOCG is a dry wine with a straw yellow color, a delightful and strong scent, and a crisp, structured, and rich taste. 

Warm and acidic at the same time, the flavor is perfect for aging. A magnificent progression, which makes the wine balanced and complex to smell and taste, is achieved by long age in the bottle. 

Due to these qualities, it pairs perfectly with fish meals that have a strong taste, such fries and shrimp, whose sweetness and the acidity of the Fiano tempers.

Food to Pair with Fiano di Avellino wine

1. Gimbap chamchi 

This gimbap is a Korean rice roll made with tuna in a can. The contents may also include fresh or pickled vegetables, eggs, fish cakes, or other typical gimbap ingredients in addition to the rice and fish. Before being combined with mayonnaise, mustard, and spices, tuna is usually crushed. 

The roll is frequently served with toasted seaweed on top and divided into bite-sized pieces.

2. Acqua pazza

Acqua pazza, which translates to "crazy water," is a traditional fish-poaching technique used in Neapolitan culture that dates back to the Middle Ages. It is regarded as a masterpiece of Italian culture. Due to the high tax on salt, which was previously an unaffordable item, the local fishermen used to prepare acqua pazza by poaching the day's catch in seawater.

These days, in addition to various white fish like bass, cod, perch, and halibut, pomodorini or cherry tomatoes, fennel, olives, peppers, celery, carrots, and occasionally even capers are used to form this nutritious yet filling soup. 

The savory soup, which mostly consists of white wine, garlic, parsley, and olive oil, is ladled over the fish. Aqua pazza, once a poor man's mainstay, now goes a long way when paired with some light Italian white wines and dipped in bread.

3. Tagliatelle al salmone 

Tagliatelle al salmone, a plain pasta dish consisting of fresh egg pasta, cream, and chunks of smoked salmon, is one example of how salmon is regularly paired with regional ingredients in modern Italian meals even though it is not a species that is generally found in the region. 

There is usually a little quantity of tomato paste added to give the sauce a rosy hue. This simple recipe can easily be enhanced by adding peas or white wine. White or green (enhanced with spinach) pasta can be used to make tagliatelle al salmone, and the best time to consume them is while they're still warm.

Places to visit in Fiano di Avellino

1. Avellino, The City of Traditions, Wines and Authentic Dishes

Avellino is situated in the valley of Valle del Sabato, which draws visitors with the splendor of special natural reserves, a variety of historical sites, and a friendly attitude. This area is in the center of the gorgeous woodland landscapes of Irpinia. 

The hub of the network of European Union-protected nature reserves, parks, and natural areas is Avellino. 

Trekking, cycling, and skiing are all excellent activities in Avellino. With the required tools, "birdwatching" is conducted in Avellino parks.

An interesting trip will be out of town – you can visit the Atripalda Castle, the monasteries of Del Loreto (Palazzo abbaziale di Loreto) and Montevergine (Santuario di Montevergine), as well as see the sights of the tiny town of Manocalzati. And in country restaurants you will be offered to taste fine local cheeses and wines.

2. Parco regionale dei Monti Picentini, Visit One of the Important Natural Parks of South Italy

In the provinces of Avellino and Salerno, there is a regional park called Parco regionale dei Monti Picentini that spans over 63000 hectares. This park was established to preserve a significant natural area since it contains the most important watershed in the South of Italy. These mountains are covered with beech, chestnut, and turkey oak trees that are over a century old. The Piano Lacero and its related lake are located at the base of the Cervialto mountain, which is the tallest peak of the Picentini Alps. Here, ideal conditions may be found for rafting, climbing, mountaineering, and even just taking a leisurely stroll along the shore of the magnificent Lacero Lake, passing through beech woods, chestnut groves, and fresh-breathing glades.

3. Irpinia’s Long-Standing Carnival Tradition

Carnival's allure in Irpinia is a time-honored tradition. The most major events are held not only in Avellino, but also in the neighboring towns of Mercogliano, Monteforte irpino, Castelvetere, Belizzi, Montemarano, and Paternopoli. This multicolored celebration is celebrated in February by the "zeze" with costumes, masks, parades, music, and dancing. The vibrant festival attracts both residents and tourists, and it also functions as a "bridge" uniting the entire region of Irpinia. This Carnival has national significance and has become a tourist driving factor.

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