Cantina Giardino - Fiano Irpinia Gaia 2021

Cantina Giardino is a joint venture between six friends with the goal to preserve old vineyards and native grape varieties in and around Irpinia, a mountainous town in the heart of Campania.

Headed by Antonio and Daniela di Gruttola, the project sources fruit from 16 distinct and often quite distant parcels. In total, this represents about six hectares and includes a 2.5 ha plot that the couple recently purchased. From the beginning, the aim has been to source older vines (50+) from contadini who have been working traditionally for generations but were at risk of having to abandon or uproot their land. The indigenous Aglianico, Coda di Volpe, Greco and Fiano grapes are used to make a wide, ever evolving range of reds, whites and rosé, all bottled with distinctive labels designed by a tight-knit crew of local artists. Vinification is an instinctual, unique process each vintage: Antonio currently owns a wide array of aging vessels, including oak and cherry wood barrels, demi-muits, stainless steel tanks, fiberglass and amphoras home-made by Daniela. Each year, the wine ends up where Antonio feels it needs to be. Longer elevages are typical for the Aglianicos, as is skin contact for the whites, although again both vary from wine to wine, vintage to  vintage. In very rare cases and only if deemed absolutely necessary, a small dose of sulfur is added at bottling. Otherwise the wine is bottled as-is.

The wine macerates on its skins for two days, ages one year in chestnut and acacia barrels, then two years in bottle before release. 

Producer: Cantina Giardino

Country: Italy

Region: Campania

Varietal: Fiano

Appellation: Irpinia

Vintage: 2021

Size: 750ml