Falanghina, Greco, and Fiano: Campania’s White Grape Trio

By Bob Lipinski

Campania is known for its many DOC and DOCG white and full-bodied red wines, especially Aglianico del Taburno, Fiano di Avellino, Greco di Tufo, and Taurasi. Three of its famous white grapes are Falanghina, Greco, and Fiano. These are not the only white grapes grown in Campania but are the most recognizable and they make tasty wines!

Note: Comments regarding sensory evaluation of each grape are generic rather than specific to a particular DOC or DOCG wine.

Falanghina Grapes

Falanghina (fah-lahn-GEE-nah) A thick-skinned, medium acid white grape variety grown principally in Campania, Abruzzo, Apulia, and Molise. It is believed the name derives from falanga, the word for a grapevine stake. Falanghina was first mentioned in 1666 in a poem called, Canto VII.

Some DOC wines made throughout Italy with the Falanghina grape are Campi Flegrei, Capri, Costa d’Amalfi, Falanghina del Sannio, Falerno del Massico, Galluccio, Irpinia, Molise, Penisola Sorrentina, Pentro di Isernia, San Severo, Sannio, and Vesuvio.

Characteristics: Pale straw in color with green nuances; delicate fruity aroma and flavor of apple, apricot, banana, cherry, citrus (lime), pine nuts, white peach, pineapple, sage, and white pepper. A lingering aftertaste of citrus and minerals.

Greco Grapes

Greco (GREH-koh) A thick-skinned, medium acid variety of ancient white grapes widely grown mostly in southern Italy. The grape is thought to have been brought from Greece around 800 B.C., when they were colonizing the central and southern part of Italy. On the label, it normally appears with the name of the town or region of production. Some is also grown in Apulia, Basilicata, Calabria, Latium, Molise, and Umbria. The better-known examples are Greco di Ancona and Greco di Tufo. Greco is also known as Asprinio.

Some wines made throughout Italy with the Greco grape are Cannellino di Frascati (DOCG) and Greco di Tufo (DOCG) and DOC wines… Bianco di Pitigliano, Bivongi, Capri, Cilento, Cirò, Colline Lucchesi, Cori, Frascati, Gravina, Greco di Bianco, Irpinia, Lamezia, Marino, Matera, Melissa, Molise, Penisola Sorrentina, Roma, Sannio, Sant’Anna di Isola Capo Rizzuto, Savuto, Terre di Cosenza, Vesuvio, and Vignanello.

Characteristics: Straw-colored with a bouquet and flavor of green apples, apricots, toasted almonds, citrus, figs, honey, mint, orange, peach, pears, and tropical fruit. Hints of floral, basil, bay leaf, licorice, pine or resin, and tarragon, with a bitter almond aftertaste.

Fiano

Fiano (fee-AH-noh) A thick-skinned, medium acid white grape variety grown principally in Campania since at the least the 1200s. Fiano is also grown in Sicily, Apulia, Latium, and in Australia.

Some wines made throughout Italy with the Fiano grape are Fiano di Avellino (DOCG) and DOC wines… Bianco Capena, Brindisi, Cilento, Gravina, Irpinia, Leverano, Locorotondo, Martina Franca, Salice Salentino, Sannio, Sicilia, Squinzano, and Terra d’Otranto.

Characteristics: Straw-yellow color; aromas of lavender, along with flavors of apple, apricot, citrus (lime, orange), hazelnut, honey, jasmine, peach, pear, pine nuts, pineapple, and spices, with a pleasing bitter finish.

“Each grape imparts its own magic to each wine. In the birth of a wine there is more than science can know, or chemistry measure, or poet describe; for wine itself is an art…” (Author Unknown)

Bob Lipinski is the author of 10 books, including “101: Everything You Need To Know About Whiskey” and “Italian Wine & Cheese Made Simple” (available on Amazon.com). He consults and conducts training seminars on Wine, Spirits, and Food and is available for speaking engagements. He can be reached at www.boblipinski.com OR bkjm@hotmail.com