2024 La Guardiense Fiano Sannio DOC, Campania

Deep in the hills of Campania, La Guardiense has become one of southern Italy’s most important cooperatives, bringing together generations of growers focused on preserving local varieties and regional character. Fiano thrives in these elevated vineyards around Sannio, where warm Mediterranean days are balanced by cooler mountain influences that help maintain freshness and aromatic detail. It is one of Italy’s great white grapes, capable of producing wines with both vibrant fruit and distinctive savoury complexity.

The 2024 vintage is bright, textured and wonderfully expressive. Ripe pear, white peach and citrus blossom aromas rise from the glass alongside hints of almond, fresh herbs and a subtle smoky mineral edge. There is lovely weight through the palate without sacrificing freshness, with crisp acidity carrying layers of lemon zest, stone fruit and gentle nuttiness through a long, clean finish. A faint saline note lingers at the end, adding extra character and making the wine feel distinctly Mediterranean.

This is exactly the kind of white that shines with food. Grilled calamari, spaghetti alle vongole or fresh burrata with lemon and olive oil would all be sensational matches. It also works beautifully with roast chicken, seafood risotto or simple antipasti shared outdoors on a warm evening. There is a generosity and texture to Fiano that makes it endlessly versatile at the table, while the freshness keeps every sip lively and inviting.