From Jenny Dobson

Florence
Dedicated to Florence (1894 - 1968), my paternal grandmother. Like Fiano, she was vivacious, bold and elegant.

Often considered Italy's finest white variety, Fiano dates back to antiquity and was a wine revered by the Romans.

Grown in Hawkes Bay my Fiano has focused aromas of red apple, citrus blossom, and hazelnut coupled with a crushed slate minerality. The boldly textured palate is layered with complex flavours of pip fruit intertwined with honeysuckle, citrus, and a distinctive savoury hazelnut. Refreshing, with a lingering presence on the palate. Florence Fiano is bold and elegant. You can enjoy it while young or with bottle age.

Winegrowing.

The first Fiano vines were planted in New Zealand by Bryce Campbell in 2010 with a second planting in 2022. The soils are old volcanic soils laid down by the Taupo eruptions layered with gravels and loam from the old Ngaruroro riverbed.

I grow the grapes following organic and sustainable practices. I aim to create biodiversity in the vineyard encouraging wildflower growth, planting native and exotic trees. The water holding capacity of the pumice, which abounds in the soil, allows me to dry farm the vineyard.

Fiano is a late ripening variety and I hand pick in April . 90% of the grapes are whole bunch pressed with 10% having 24 hours skin maceration before pressing. Fermentation is slow and steady. The new wine is left on lees for several months post ferment with regular stirring to enhance the natural textural qualities of the grape variety.

Fiano's established home is Campania in Southwest Italy, where great examples
are revered for style somewhere between a stunning Chardonnay and a dry
Riesling. Compared to other grapes, it is low-yielding and thus often overlooked by
commercial wineries. However it is well worth the work, showing delicate floral and
spice aromas that mellow and honey over time, giving way to great texture and impressive acidity.

This noble variety seems to have found its home at the stunning Howell Family vineyard, off Maraekakaho Road in Bridge Pa – one of a handful of Fiano plantings in New Zealand.
White floral, stonefruit, lemon zest and hint of brioche on the nose. On the palate these flavours merge with a touch of marmalade and cedar. A rich, textured, ripe wine with a zesty fresh finish. 900 bottle made.