Rocca Del Principe 2009 Fiano - Wine of the Weekend

                                      
Rocca Del Principe 2009 Fiano di Avellino DOCG

- 100% Estate-grown Fiano di Avellino fruit from Arianiello
- Refined in stainless-steel tanks for 7 months, following by another 5-months of bottle aging.

Fiano, meaning vine "beloved of bees," is a grape indigenous to Campania and is one of the most interesting white grapes of southern Italy.

Bottle notes:  A beautiful straw yellow color with very clear and of good consistency. All the olfactory impact is intense and delicate, smokey, floral and fruity notes of fresh citrus fruit. This Fiano is full bodied, fruit driven wine redolent of pears and hazelnut with balanced acidity and a creamy, rich finish.

Campanian husband and wife winemaking duo Aurelia Fabrizio and Ercole Zarrella have instantly commanded the attention of critics and consumers alike, through the sheer breadth of aromatics, minerals and compelling nuances displayed in their substantial Fiano di Avellino.

Their philosophy is a focused one: low production in the vineyards and minimal intervention in the cellar, translate to high quality in the bottle. This principle informs all their decisions throughout production.

Though their first estate-bottled vintage was only in 2004, these gifted, longtime growers have managed to garner "Tre Bicchieri" from Gambero Rosso for their stellar Fiano on more than one occasion. (Including the 2008 vintage!) Their success was even further highlighted by the award of Up-And-Coming Winery of the Year 2009... Suggested Retail Price $17-19

Please ask your favorite wine shop for a few bottles - perfect chilled with anything from grilled fish to roasted chicken this summer.  I prefer mine sipped while boating on Lake Austin! Also - click to read more about Rocca Del Principe from their importer,  Indigenous Selections. CHEERS! Ali