Southern Italian Charmer
I have to admit, it’s been rather difficult tracking down information on this particular producer, and this particular wine. I can tell you a few things:
- It comes from Fiano di Avellino in Campania, Italy
- It is made from 100% fiano grapes
- It will run you about $25 or so
- It’s pretty yummy
I’ve reviewed a Fiano di Avellino before, and liked it well enough (but not that well). This one, I enjoyed quite a bit more.
To celebrate my getting back on the Italian wine horse (I’ve written more than a few words about Italian wine in the past), I’m looking back at this Italian white that I had a few months ago. Thank goodness, I take great notes.
The Pietracupa Fiano is a shimmering, faint gold color in the glass. The nose is incredibly clean. I get aromas of fresh rain, some rose petal, and a chalky minerality—almost granite smell—that comes off very light, very unencumbered, and very pretty.
The wine is medium-bodied and dry, and is mostly earthy and twiggy in its flavor profile. It’s got quite a bit more complexity to its flavors than most whites I’ve had, Italian or otherwise. There’s a kicker of a flavor in here, too—truffle oil. Yes, really.
A charming, clean, complex, pretty white wine from the south of Italia. All in all, you can’t go wrong with it—assuming you can find it.
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 (pineappleesque, 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: B-
2007 Mastroberardino Fiano di Avellino
