2007 Mastroberardino Fiano di Avellino

An Aromatic White From Campania, Italia

My virtual trip-around-Italy-via-vino continues today, with a stop in the southern Italian hills above Naples, in Campania. It may be simply my inexperience talking, but I’d never heard of the Fiano grape, or of Fiano di Avellino, before trying this wine. If you’re like me in that regard, then follow my lead and give it a shot.

Maybe.

Basically, if you dig big nosed Sauvignon Blanc, or Viognier, you might like Fiano di Avellino. If your wine proclivities skew strictly red, or your idea of a good white is either a buttered oak barrel Chardonnay or an acidic, tight, structured Dry Riesling, this may not be for you. That being said, let me describe my experience.

The wine is very light in the glass, almost clear. Very much like I’m used to seeing with Sauv Blanc. On the nose is an interesting set of notes. Mostly mineral in nature (comes off like vegetable garden, or sometimes olive oil) there is a hint of an aged cheese (parmesan or pecorino) here as well. It’s interesting, and I liked it, but I can see how it will not be for everyone.

The wine is clean, crisp and light-bodied. A very easy drinking wine, the 2007 Mastroberardino still maintains enough acidity to be a food-pairing wine. The major notes are of citrus (especially like a lime zest thing going on) and tropical (pineapple_esque_, if you forgive my preciousness), and herbal varieties. I found the wine refreshing and enjoyable, but I have a hard time recommending it outright.

Fans of aromatic whites should run right out and get some, however.

Verdict: 82/100


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