Montemattina: The Third Dimension of Fiano
For those curious about how the third dimension feels in a glass of white wine, Guido Zampaglione’s Montemattina is a must-try. But first, let’s clarify—it’s not truly white. Nor is it yellow or golden. Instead, it glows with a striking copper hue. This is thanks to Guido’s dedication to extended skin contact during fermentation, which allows the pigments and tannins from the grape skins to infuse the wine. These tannins build gradually on the palate, lending this pure Fiano its aforementioned vertical dimension.
The journey begins at Montemattina, a mountain in Alta Irpinia, an isolated region in eastern Campania. Guido has nurtured his passion for Fiano, the area’s flagship white variety, whose vines sink their roots into volcanic soils at 800 meters above sea level. The extended growing season imparts complex aromas, vibrant acidity, and subtle tannins to the grapes.
The harvest occurs no earlier than October and is done entirely by hand. Fermentation takes place on the skins, and the wine matures for 12 months in stainless steel tanks, followed by an additional 18 months in the bottle. Montemattina is bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Style
Candied fruits, ginger, citrus notes, sage, and beeswax. Sunny and Mediterranean. Deep, with a faintly bitter edge. It lingers on the palate and is just beginning its development.
Technical Sheet
- Grape Variety: Fiano
- Vineyard: At 800 m in Calitri
- Harvest: Handpicked
- Vinification: Spontaneous fermentation with wild yeasts; skin contact for several days
- Aging: 12 months in stainless steel tanks, followed by 18 months in the bottle
- Filtration: None
- SO₂: <30 mg/l
- Alcohol Content: 13.5%
- Closure: Natural cork
- Serving Temperature: 12-14°C
- Optimal Drinking Window: From now until 2032
- Content and Price per Liter: 0.75 l (€33.5/l)
All winemakers listed at Vinonudo use compost, organic fertilizers, and natural preparations in their vineyards, abstaining from herbicides, pesticides, and synthetic fertilizers.
