Fiano: If you love Pinot Grigio, Semillon or Sauvignon Blanc but feel like something new

If you’ve followed our series on alternative wine varieties, hopefully you’ve tried some Viognier and hosted a dinner party showcasing Roussanne. Today we’ll inspire you to try a drop called Fiano.

It’s interesting that we’re talking about “new” wines, yet Fiano is an extremely old variety, being mentioned in documents going back as early as 1240. This Italian grape variety was imported into Australia in 1978, and today there are 88 hectares of the grape grown in Australia by around 50 growers.

How would you describe it?

• Flowery bouquet
• Strongly flavoured
• Crisp
• Citrus, apple and pear notes
• Peach
• Apricot
• Hazelnut
• Honey
• Nuts
• Spices

Would I like it?

Fiano is often compared to Pinot Grigio, Semillon, and unoaked Chardonnay. Fiano doesn’t have the high level of acidity often found in a Sauvignon Blanc, making it very drinkable. So, for those white wine drinkers who’d like a slight change, Fiano could be for you.

Where is it predominately grown?

Fiano thrives in hot, dry climates, making it perfect for many Australian wine regions, including McLaren Vale, Murray Darling, Heathcote and the Hunter Valley. The grapes require less water and can handle the increasing heat spikes occuring in Australia, making it a very environmentally friendly variety.

I’m interested – what should I try?

Coriole

If you do any research on Fiano, the Australian winery frequently mentioned for their great Fiano is Coriole.

Coriole is a pioneer of growing Italian grape varieties in South Australia, and hence were the first to produce an Australian Fiano in 2005.

The 2016 Coriole Fiano (priced at $27) won gold at the 2016 Australia Alternative Varieties Wine Show, so what better drink to try than the best!

Chalmers Wines

Another recommendation is the Chalmers Fiano, priced at around $30.

This Fiano has a heady, perfumed appeal which exemplifies how well suited this grape is to the hot, dry climate of the Murray Darling region.

Other drink-worthy Fianos:

• Two Italian Boys Fiano, priced at $14
• Jericho Adelaide Hills Fiano, priced at $27
• Cragg Cru Single Vineyard Fiano, priced at $22

So next time you’re cooking up a rich, creamy pasta or seafood dish, why not match it with a bottle of Fiano – you could be on to a new winner.

Today’s best Fiano prices