2013 Guido Marsella, Fiano di Avellino, Campania

The Italians know how to spell delicious; it is spelled Fiano di Avellino, the refined, citrus-driven Italian white from Campania.
    Let me set the stage for why this white was soooo delightful. This past weekend, a simple afternoon snack turned in to one of my more memorable food and wine experiences: near the beach with a faint ocean breeze, freshly baked baguettes were snatched from the oven, hot to the touch...fresh, peppery virgin olive oil drizzled....wedges of aged Manchego were carved.
    Family style, we reached, grabbed and poured for about an hour. The creamy texture of the Fiano di Avellino anchored the spice in the oil, the apple/lemon/nut flavors of the wine and even the saline in the air.
    This particular Fiano was a meal in and of itself. It had wonderful notes of lemon zest without the intensity of a Sauvignon Blanc. It had notes of white almond, evergreen aromas and a dash of salinity. Graceful on the palate, the slight, creamy weight stood up to my olive oil drenched baguette.
    We don't say this often, but this is one to buy by the case! "White peach, green apple, quinine and a whiff of minerality on the nose. Round and generous on the palate, but with lively acidity lifting the flavors of peach, minty herbs and grilled nuts. There’s an underlying element of richness to this perfumed, mineral-driven Fiano. The firm spine of acidity extends the stone fruit and mint flavors on the long back end and guarantees plenty of further development in bottle." Antonio Gallonio