SAQ Fiano River Sand 2022, Unico Zelo, Riverland, Australia
Traveling Fiano
In our humble opinion, one of the most interesting grape varieties from Southern Italy is arguably Fiano. Generally hailing from Campania, and more precisely from the town of Avellino, we are presenting it to you this week as it is grown in the Southern Hemisphere.
From the Riverland region (South Australia), the winery Unico Zelo specializes in Italian grape varieties such as Nero d’Avola, Zibibbo, and, to our great delight, Fiano. Young winemakers renowned in trendy wine bars, Brendan and Laura Carter work with growers recognized for the quality of their grapes, across various appellations in South Australia.
It’s hard to find a wine better suited for a lovely evening in the sun than this vibrant, textured, and fresh white. With its ripe aromas of exotic fruits, you will find the classic notes of almonds, stone fruits, and even frangipane. It would almost be a caricature if the terroir effect and the winemaking work weren't so rigorous. It stays at 12% alcohol, and the textured, oily mouthfeel makes the whole thing excessively seductive.
A few bottles for evenings with friends, especially the good ones…
- To pair it with: a fresh couscous salad, legumes with some garden herbs, supported by a za'atar vinaigrette,
- As an aside: The first Fiano bottled in Australia was by the Chalmer winery in Heathcote in 2005,
- To better understand Australian wines: Get on the waiting list for our workshop next season.
- If Fiano ever makes you shiver, there are few offerings currently in the network, but there are still a few bottles of this 2021 Fiano di Avellino 'Empatia', Donnachiara $26 at the SAQ (15176746)
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