The white grape variety originates from Italy. Synonyms are Apiana, Apiano, Fiana, Fiano di Avellino, Fiore Mendillo, Foiano, Latina Bianca, Latina Bianca di Barletta, Latino, Latino Bianco and Santa Sofia. It should not be confused with the Minutolo variety (Fiano Aromatico, Fiore Mendillo) or Santa Sof ia, long considered identical, despite seemingly suggestive synonyms or morphological similarities. The parentage is unknown. A DNA analysis carried out in 2001 revealed that the Fiano Aromatico, which was assumed to be a variety, is independent and was therefore renamed to Minutolo renamed.
According to an unverifiable hypothesis, a variety mentioned by the two ancient Roman authors Columella (1st century AD) and Pliny the Elder (23-79) is supposed to be a Fiano ancestor, which was called Vitis apiana because of its special attraction to bees (apis). In any case, it is a very old variety, mentioned as early as 1240 in connection with wine purchases for the Roman-German Emperor and ruler over the Kingdom of Sicily Frederick II (1194-1250) as "vino fiano saumas III" (saumas = unit of measure).
The variety was widespread in Campania until the phylloxera disaster, then experienced an extreme reduction and was threatened with extinction. The well-known Mastroberardino winery successfully tried to reactivate it in the 1970s. The medium to late ripening, high-yielding vine is susceptible to both types of mildew. It produces aromatic white wines with spicy flavours of honey and nuts, as well as storage potential. It is cultivated in the regions of Apulia, Basilicata, Campania, Marche and Sicily. There it is permitted in the DOC/DOCG white wines Cilento, Contessa Entellina, Fiano di Avellino, Irpinia, Leverano, Locorotondo, Menfi, Sannio and Sicilia, among others. The Italian cultivation area is 2,087 hectares with a strong upward trend. There are further stocks in Argentina (5 ha) and Australia (95 ha). In 2016, a total of 2,187 hectares were declared (Kym Anderson statistics).
Source: Wine Grapes / J. Robinson, J. Harding, J. Vouillamoz / Penguin Books Ltd. 2012
Images: Ursula Brühl, Doris Schneider, Julius Kühn-Institut (JKI)
