Fiano is a unique and ancient grape variety. It almost certainly dates back centuries to as long ago as
Latin viticulture. In Roman times the Fiano grape was called Apiano. It got its name from the Latin word
for bees (in Italian, bees are called "api"). The grape is even referred to in the poet Pliny’s Naturalis
Historia where he notes that bees gave their name to the wine: "Apianis apes dedere cognomen, praecipue
earum avidae… Vina, primo dulcia, austeritatem annis accipiunt". Fiano is sweet when young but strengthens
with ageing. It is one of the few white wines that improves with age, and is therefore one of the few rare
Italian whites that goes well with oysters. It is a rare, classic, prized white wine. It has a hazelnut
aroma, with a fresh, slightly acidic flavour but is also strong, dry and high in alcohol content. Ideal
with antipasti and delicate shellfish and seafood. Best served at 8° C.
