Ciro Picariello - "Ciro 906" Fiano di Avellino DOCG 750ml 2023 (13% abv)
The Ciro 906 bottling is only produced in the best, cooler vintages. 906 is the number of this parcel on the official Avellino map.
From the highest (1 hectare) parcel of his four hectare vineyard at Summonte.
Southeast at 650 meters.
Clay, loam, sandstone.
Hand harvested.
40 day fermentation with native yeast.
Aged in stainless steel for 12 months on the lees with frequent batonnage followed by at least another twelve months in the bottle before release.
3500 bottles
From one of Irpinia’s most celebrated and masterful producers, the 2023 Ciro Picariello Fiano di Avellino is a stunningly pure and mineral-driven white built for the long haul. The nose is tight and precise, with aromas of crisp green pear, lemon zest, and white flowers, layered over a powerful core of crushed flint, smoke, and savory herbs. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied, taut, and energetic, with a vibrant, almost electric acidity that frames the pristine orchard fruit. The finish is exceptionally long, clean, and resonant, echoing with a distinct saline minerality. A benchmark Fiano that will reward several years of cellaring.
The best fiano from the cult producer. More high acid and mineral-driven than its brethren. No oak used at all in the winery.
Serious, ageworthy whites which are nonetheless eminently drinkable now.
Ciro Picariello has quickly become one of the star producers of Fiano di Avellino. He and his wife started their winery back in 1997, but their first vintage under their own label was not until 2004. Their 7 hectares of vineyards are located at relatively high elevation in the province of Campania, divided between the villages of Montefredane (1,600 feet above sea level) and Summonte (2,100 feet).
The harvest for the Fiano occurs in late October, very late for white wine. The grapes are hand-picked and carefully sorted and then pressed slowly with only the first press fraction used in the DOCG Fiano. The wines are then fermented with indigenous yeasts in stainless tanks. The Fiano is aged on its fine lees for an extended period between 11-12 months (plus several months more in bottle before release), with the Irpinia Fiano and reds slightly shorter, 7-8 months. Use of SO2 is minimal; the wines are not filtered nor fined.
Picariello’s Fiano Di Avellino is a wonderful, textured, phenolic white wine that is bursting with an underlying minerality imparted by the volcanic soils of the region. The wine drinks well on release, but can also age beautifully, 10-15 years easily. In fact, in good vintages, Ciro holds back some bottles to release at a later date.
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate has called Ciro Picariello Fiano “a clear protagonist among the great white wines of Campania.” That’s about as special of a compliment as you can get. This is an incredible wine pulled from the rocky volcanic soils of Campania at nearly 2000 feet elevation. From crushed stone to lemeon sorbet to the complex minerality that you get here – you can tell that this is a layered white with a lot going on and so much to offer. Grab a glass and a seat, and take your time with this one!
94 WA
The Ciro Picariello 2019 Fiano di Avellino Ciro 906 is a clear protagonist among the great white wines of Campania. Fruit comes from a one-hectare plot registered as “particella 906,” with vines planted in 1990 on rocky volcanic soils at 650 meters in elevation. Only 3,000 bottles emerge from this site. The wine stands apart for its texture, with firm fruit and a pretty, glossy quality. The bouquet is layered with lemon essence, saffron, green apple and crushed stone. You can count on this bottle to continue its evolution and to grow in complexity.
region:
varietal:
style:
farming/cellar:
pairing: