The 6 best Fiano di Avellino wines chosen by Gambero Rosso

Campania is one of Italy’s most diverse regions, both in terms of geo-morphology and ampelography. The vineyard area slightly exceeds 25,000 hectares, encompassing a myriad of different territories, each with its own production culture, exposures, and geological formations: volcanic areas such as Roccamonfina, Vesuvius, and the Campi Flegrei zone; then the islands; the high-altitude vineyards of Irpinia (which reach over 700 meters); and the vineyards perched on cliffs above the sea along the Amalfi Coast.

These territories are home to native grape varieties such as Fiano, Greco, Falanghina, Aglianico, Piedirosso, Casavecchia, Pallagrello (both white and red), Pepella, Biancolella, and many others, which produce wines that are increasingly contemporary yet almost always capable of expressing their place of origin. The white wines from the various areas of the region proved to be of great quality (as expected) during our latest tastings for the Vini d’Italia 2025 guide by Gambero Rosso. It is no surprise, then, that out of the 21 Campanian wines awarded Tre Bicchieri, 16 are whites.

Fiano di Avellino, a wine for aging

Here, we focus on the best expressions of Fiano di Avellino in Irpinia, in the continental heart of the region, an area made up of hills that rise towards the Campanian Apennines. These hills often yield white wines with "mountain" aromatic and taste profiles, characterized by elegance, minerality, and fresh acidity, just like the Fiano wines we awarded Tre Bicchieri, the highest recognition. In particular, the white wines of Irpinia (both Fiano and Greco) offer truly surprising taste evolutions over time, a factor that is still not fully appreciated by either producers or consumers.

The wine culture of Campania: a bit of history

"Campania Felix"—this is how the Romans referred to this region, praising its extraordinary fertility, mild climate, and scenic beauty, which refreshed the eyes and spirits of wealthy aristocrats (and more than one emperor) who spent their holidays here, leaving behind the worries of Rome. Felix also because it was capable of producing great wines, some of which are mentioned in the most important surviving Latin literary works.

The stars of this tradition are Greco di Tufo and Fiano di Avellino, and it is the latter that we want to highlight in this article. A DOCG since 2003, the appellation is now widely recognized for producing some of the most complex, profound, and long-lived white wines in Italy. The production area includes 26 municipalities between the Sabato and Calore Valleys. The grape variety, Fiano, is an ancient one, likely present in Campania since Roman times, with its name officially documented for the first time in sales records dating back to the early 13th century.

Fast forward to today, exploring Fiano di Avellino is undoubtedly a fascinating journey, in which the grape becomes a malleable medium shaped by the territory and the winemakers.

The best Fiano di Avellino wines awarded Tre Bicchieri

Many Fiano di Avellino wines achieved excellent scores during our tastings for the Vini d’Italia 2025 guide by Gambero Rosso. However, here we highlight those that reached the highest step of our podium. These wines come from wineries that are now benchmarks for the denomination.

Fiano di Avellino 2023 - Colli di Lapio

The Fiano di Avellino from Colli di Lapio returns to outstanding levels. The 2023 vintage presents a white wine that masterfully balances a sunny side reminiscent of medlar with an elegant citrus profile and hints of flint. The palate is full and impactful, enriched by pleasant notes of aromatic herbs, leading to a finish that returns to mineral accents.

The winery, run by Clelia Romano, her husband Angelo, and their children Carmela and Federico, has about twelve hectares of vineyards. They are based in Arianiello, a hamlet of Lapio, recognized as a cru of Fiano di Avellino, with vineyard altitudes reaching around 600 meters. Here, Aglianico, Greco, and, of course, Fiano are cultivated, producing a small range of wines that directly reflect the winery’s philosophy, the territory, and the character of the grape varieties.

Fiano di Avellino Alimata 2022- Villa Raiano

The grapes for Villa Raiano’s Alimata come from Montefredane. The 2022 vintage showcases a distinctive smoky trait, perfectly integrated with an elegant floral and herbal sensation. On the palate, a fresh balsamic hint intertwines with a solid mineral structure, leading to a long and profound finish.

Villa Raiano takes its name from an ancient hamlet in the municipality of Serino, where the family’s olive oil business was once located. In 1996, Sabino and Simone Basso founded the winery, moving it in 2009 to San Michele di Serino, in a dominant position overlooking the Sabato River Valley. Today, their children Federico and Brunella have joined them in managing the 27 hectares of vineyards located in some of the best areas of Irpinia.

Fiano di Avellino Ciro 906 2021 - Ciro Picariello

We tasted only the Ciro 906 2021 from Ciro Picariello, and we were fascinated. This is Fiano to the core, almost archetypal in its notes of hay, fresh hazelnut, iodine, and smoky hints, all mirrored on a saline, taut, precise, and stony palate, full of energy and depth.

Ciro Picariello’s winery celebrates its 20th anniversary this year—relatively short in the wine world, yet enough to carve out a significant place in the competitive Irpinian landscape. Alongside him are his wife Rita and their children Emma and Bruno, who manage a 16-hectare vineyard spread between Montefredane and Summonte, two authentic grand crus for Fiano di Avellino. His approach emphasizes sustainable practices, environmental respect, and a handcrafted style in the cellar.

Fiano di Avellino Colle delle Ginestre Ris. 2022 - Tenuta del Meriggio

The Colle delle Ginestre Riserva 2022 offers pronounced notes of mountain meadow, flint, green citrus, anise, and fresh almond. These aromas translate into an extremely clean, tense, and vibrant palate with a solid mineral structure.

Like many other Irpinian wineries, Tenuta del Meriggio is a mosaic of vineyards. Founded in 2010 by Bruno Pizza and Nunzia Guerriero, the winery sources grapes from some of the most prestigious communes in the province. Their portfolio, consistently high in quality, spans Aglianico from Paternopoli, Taurasi, and Pietradefusi; Greco from Santa Paolina and Tufo; and Fiano from Montefalcione and Candida.

Fiano di Avellino Le Grade 2023 - Vinosia

The Le Grade 2023 vintage presents enticing herbal notes, wildflowers, white peach, and basil, creating an aromatic profile that echoes in a flavorful, precise, and balanced palate where everything is perfectly in place.

Luciano Ercolino founded Vinosia in 2004 in Paternopoli, carrying on a long family legacy. This area is one of the most historically significant for Irpinia’s wine production, home to 50 hectares cultivated with indigenous varieties—Fiano, Greco, and Aglianico—forming the foundation of a project that aims to enhance the region’s tradition through a contemporary technical approach.

Fiano di Avellino Tognano Ris. 2021 - Rocca del Principe

The Tognano from Rocca del Principe is no longer a surprise in terms of quality. Yet, each year, we are amazed by how this white wine manages to combine intensity and elegance, depth and finesse, energy and linear progression. The 2021 vintage still has much to reveal to those who have the patience to let it evolve.