Campania's Grapes: Aglianico, Fiano, Greco

Aglianico

Aglianico (pronounced ah-lee-YAHN-ee-koh), is a quality Italian red grape grown in the mountainous centre of the south of the country, particularly in the Campanian provinces of Avellino (home of Taurasi � the region�s best-known, high-quality wine) and Benevento as well as Potenza and Matera in Basilicata. There is also some in Calabria, Puglia and Molise and on the island of Procida near Naples. This dark-skinned grape is thought to have originated in Greece, and its name is actually a corruption of Ellenico, the Italian word for Hellenic. This early-budding vine likes volcanic soil and performs best in dry, sunny conditions. It can ripen as late as November, even this far south, and needs the time in order to kerb the grape�s harsh tannins. The best wines have a deep garnet colour with chocolate and plum aromas, fine-grained tannins and noticeable acidity on the palate. This is achieved in the DOCs of Aglianico del Vulture in Basilicata and Taurasi.

Fiano

Fiano is a low yielding old white grape variety from Campania in Southern Italy. Fiano was widespread until the arrival of phylloxera arrived in the early twentieth century but it was revived again in the 1970s. The grape is believed to be the grape behind the ancient Roman wine Apianum. Wines are strongly flavoured and full bodied. These wines have an attractively waxy texture and subtle aromas and the best have capacity to age. Some of the most notable plantings of Fiano are dound in hazelnut plantations around Avelilino . Some Australian growers have recently adopted Fiano as they were looking for grapes that can withstand the heat, and there are now at least ten producers who claim to have the variety planted. The grape is responsible for Fiano di Avellino DOCG and may be a varietal or blending component in DOCs such as Iprinia and Sannio. It has been enthusiastically planted on Sicilia for varietal wine by the likes of Planeta and Settesoli. Recently some winemakers in Argentina are producing Fiano in the La Rioja district north of Mendoza. Over the years Fiano and its wines have been known under various synonyms including Apiana, Apiano, Fiana, Fiano di Avellino, Fiore Mendillo, Foiano, Latina Bianca, Latina Bianca di Barletta, Latino, Latino Bianco, Minutola, Minutolo, and Santa Sofia.

Greco