The Quintodecimo Fiano di Avellino "Exultet" from Campania, Italy, is a premium expression of the Fiano grape, known for its elegance, richness, and complexity. This wine captures the essence of the Campanian terroir, offering a refined balance between ripe fruit, floral notes, and minerality. Here are the tasting notes:
Appearance:
The wine has a bright, straw-yellow color with golden highlights, indicating both freshness and a touch of richness.
Nose:
On the nose, the Quintodecimo Fiano di Avellino "Exultet" is aromatic and complex. It opens with fresh citrus notes such as lemon zest and grapefruit, followed by ripe stone fruits like peach and apricot. Floral aromas, including acacia, orange blossom, and honeysuckle, add a delicate, elegant lift. There are also subtle hints of almond, honey, and a light smokiness or flint, indicative of the wine’s mineral character. A touch of herbal freshness, like chamomile or fennel, further enhances its aromatic profile.
Palate:
The palate is medium to full-bodied, with a creamy, rich texture that balances the wine’s vibrant acidity. The citrus and stone fruit flavors are pure and well-defined, with lemon, peach, and nectarine taking center stage. The wine’s minerality is pronounced, adding structure and a sense of place, while the acidity gives it a refreshing, zesty character. Subtle notes of honey, almond, and a touch of spice (likely from oak aging or lees contact) add depth and complexity, while a slight salinity provides balance.
Finish:
The finish is long and elegant, with lingering notes of citrus, stone fruit, and a delicate, nutty or honeyed undertone. The wine leaves a clean, fresh aftertaste with a subtle mineral edge, making it both satisfying and invigorating.
Overall Impression:
Quintodecimo Fiano di Avellino "Exultet" is a beautifully balanced and complex white wine that showcases the depth and elegance of Fiano. Its combination of ripe fruit, vibrant acidity, and subtle minerality makes it an excellent pairing for seafood, shellfish, grilled fish, creamy pasta dishes, and light poultry. It’s also a fantastic wine to enjoy on its own as a refined aperitif. While approachable now, this wine has the potential to age gracefully, developing even more complexity and richness over time. It is a stunning example of the quality and sophistication that Fiano di Avellino can achieve in the hands of a skilled producer like Quintodecimo.