The white grape variety originates from Italy. Synonyms are Apiana, Apiano, Fiana, Fiano di Avellino, Fiore Mendillo, Foiano, Latina Bianca, Latina Bianca di Barletta, Latino, Latino Bianco and Santa Sofia. It should not be confused with the Minutolo variety (Fiano Aromatico, Fiore Mendillo) or Santa Sof ia, long considered identical, despite seemingly suggestive synonyms or morphological similarities. The parentage is unknown. A DNA analysis carried out in 2001 revealed that the Fiano Aromatico, which was assumed to be a variety, is independent and was therefore renamed to Minutolo renamed.
According to an unverifiable hypothesis, a variety mentioned by the two ancient Roman authors Columella (1st century AD) and Pliny the Elder (23-79) is supposed to be a Fiano ancestor, which was called Vitis apiana because of its special attraction to bees (apis). In any case, it is a very old variety, mentioned as early as 1240 in connection with wine purchases for the Roman-German Emperor and ruler over the Kingdom of Sicily Frederick II (1194-1250) as "vino fiano saumas III" (saumas = unit of measure).
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Dr. Christa Hanten
Fachjournalistin, Lektorin und Verkosterin, Wien