Southern Italian wines are just beginning to get their due. It’s been a long time coming. And the whites are less known than the sturdy reds. This Fiano di Avellino, a white from Tenuta Sarno in Campania (Naples is its capital) is a real stunner. I’ve always loved Fiano: This one is top of the class, with a deep minerality and complex flavors of quince, pears and almonds, it is brilliant with seafood.
Have it with a grilled lobster or a thick swordfish steak, with Santa Barbara spot prawns or steamed shellfish.
It’s a great wine and should be saved for a special occasion. And if you have the time and the will, these whites will deepen with a year or two’s aging.
Region: Campania, Italy
Price: About $25
Style: Power and finesse
What it goes with: Lobster, swordfish, grilled shrimp, shellfish
