Fiano Wines

What Is Fiano Wine?

Fiano is a white grape variety from the Campania region of southern Italy, with roots stretching back to ancient Rome. Roman writers believed the grape attracted bees, and its old name, Apianum, stuck. The grape's thick skins made it naturally drought and heat tolerant, which is precisely why it took to the Australian climate so readily. Coriole in McLaren Vale planted Australia's first Fiano vines in 2001, with the debut vintage arriving in 2005, and the variety has been gaining momentum ever since.

On the palate, expect lemon, Asian pear, stone fruit and honey, with a distinctive beeswax and almond texture that sets Fiano apart from Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. In Australia's warmer regions, the grape retains fresh acidity where those other varieties can struggle, making it one of the most exciting alternative white varieties to explore.

Two Fiano Styles: Finding the One That Suits You

Australian Fiano comes in two distinct expressions, and knowing the difference makes buying much easier.

Cool-climate Fiano, grown in regions like Adelaide Hills and King Valley, leans lighter and more aromatic. Think bright citrus, green apple and floral lift, with a zippy, refreshing finish. These bottles are perfect chilled on a warm afternoon or matched with lighter seafood.

Warm-climate Fiano, particularly from McLaren Vale, is a different animal. Richer body, stone fruit, almond and beeswax texture, and a creamy mid-palate from lees ageing. This style handles food beautifully and rewards those who enjoy more texture in their white wine. Coriole's Rubato Reserve from McLaren Vale was top-rated in a 2025 expert blind tasting and is a benchmark for this richer, more complex expression.

Where Australian Fiano Grows

McLaren Vale is the heartland. The warmth and red soils produce richer, textural Fiano with depth and almond character, and it was here that the Australian story began with Coriole's pioneering plantings. Adelaide Hills offers a cooler, more elevated take, yielding lighter, more aromatic Fiano with citrus and floral lift that is fresh and energetic. King Valley, home to many Italian heritage communities, brings a naturalistic approach to the variety and produces vibrant, food-friendly styles that honour the grape's southern Italian roots. Clare Valley, the Hunter Valley and the Riverland are also building a quiet reputation for the variety, expanding the Australian Fiano footprint year by year.

What to Eat with Fiano Wine

Fiano is one of the most food-friendly white varieties in our range. Grilled king prawns with lemon and herbs are a natural match, as are fried calamari, steamed mussels in white wine and garlic, and prawn linguine. The richer McLaren Vale styles come into their own alongside creamy pasta, roast chicken, and soft cheeses like brie or camembert. If you are after a versatile white that moves easily from aperitif to the dinner table, Fiano rarely lets you down.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does Fiano wine taste like?

Fiano wine is known for flavours of lemon, Asian pear, stone fruit and honey, with a distinctive beeswax and almond texture. Cooler-climate styles are lighter and citrus-driven with crisp acidity, while warm-climate McLaren Vale Fiano tends to be richer and creamier, especially when aged on lees.

2. What is Fiano wine?

Fiano is an Italian white grape variety from the Campania region of southern Italy. It is one of Australia's fastest-growing alternative white wine varieties, now grown in McLaren Vale, Adelaide Hills, King Valley and beyond, with more than 50 Australian producers crafting examples.

3. What food goes with Fiano wine?

Fiano pairs well with grilled prawns, fried calamari, steamed mussels, creamy pasta and roast chicken. The richer, lees-aged styles from McLaren Vale handle butter-based and creamy dishes especially well, while lighter cool-climate styles work beautifully as an aperitif or with lighter seafood.

4. What is the best Australian Fiano?

Australian Fiano shines in McLaren Vale and Adelaide Hills. Coriole's Rubato Reserve from McLaren Vale was top-rated in a 2025 expert blind tasting. Explore our curated Fiano collection to find the style that suits you best.