2022 Antonio Caggiano Briolé Irpinia Fiano Spumante

Cantine Antonio Caggiano is located in Taurasi, in the heart of Irpinia, and is one of the most famous names in Campania. The house was founded by Antonio Caggiano and is currently led by Giuseppe Caggiano, with a clear focus on grape varieties deeply linked to the region, such as Aglianico, Fiano, and Greco.

The domain's style is precise and recognizable. Great attention is paid to origin, ripeness, and careful vinification. This line remains clearly visible in the sparkling wines as well. Briolé demonstrates that Fiano is not only suitable for still white wine, but also for a serious sparkling wine with tension, finesse, and gastronomic versatility. You can find more information about this winery in the Winery tab.

Origin and terroir

The 2022 Antonio Caggiano Briolé Irpinia Fiano Spumante comes from Lapio and from plots within the Fiano di Avellino DOCG production area. This part of Irpinia is situated at a higher altitude than many other wine regions in Southern Italy and is known for its relatively cool climate, large differences between day and night temperatures, and soils that preserve tension and freshness in the wine.

That cooler profile is important for sparkling wine. It ensures that Fiano here not only becomes ripe and aromatic, but also retains sufficient acidity. As a result, Briolé acquires its clear lines, its spirited freshness, and its precise finish. Irpinia therefore gives this wine more than just fruit. It also gives it structure and balance.

Grapes and vineyard management

This wine is made from 100% Fiano di Avellino. Fiano is a grape that naturally imparts elegance, aromatic finesse, and a certain creaminess, yet can remain fresh and crisp when sourced from the right vineyards.

For Briolé, the grapes are harvested by hand in the first decade of September. The relatively early harvest helps preserve the tension and the correct acidity, which is essential for a high-quality sparkling wine. Here, Fiano does not yield an exuberantly aromatic style, but rather a refined and subtle form of expression, with white fruit, citrus, and a light spicy touch.

Vinification and aging

Briolé is made according to the metodo classico and is a millesimato. This means that the second fermentation takes place in the bottle and that the wine comes from a single harvest year (thus like a vintage champagne). The grapes are harvested by hand and transported in small crates. They are then pressed immediately as whole bunches. The first alcoholic fermentation takes place at around 15 degrees and lasts about four weeks.

Following the basic vinification, spumantizzazione takes place according to the metodo classico. The wine therefore undergoes a second fermentation in the bottle and subsequently ages on the lees for 3 years. This imparts extra refinement, a finer mousse, and greater depth in aroma and taste. Moreover, this wine has no dosage and is therefore produced as brut nature. You can taste this immediately in the dry, precise style and the crisp, clean finish.

Color, smell and taste

In the glass, the wine has a clear light golden color. The mousse is rich yet refined, with a fine and persistent effervescence. On the nose, notes of white fruit and citrus emerge, followed by a subtle hint of bread crust and light yeast notes consistent with bottle aging.

On the palate, the wine is full-bodied yet precise. The initial taste is dry, crisp, and clean, with fresh acidity that provides tension. At the same time, there is sufficient body to make the wine gastronomically interesting. The combination of white fruit, citrus, and a light toast note gives it depth without losing its fresh character.

The finish is long, clean, and energetic, with a distinct freshness that holds up beautifully. This makes the wine appealing as an aperitif, but also very suitable at the table.

Style and character

The 2022 Briolé Irpinia Fiano Spumante is not a simple, purely festive bubbly, but a serious sparkling wine with character. The style is crisp and dry due to the brut nature profile, yet refined and inviting thanks to the Fiano fruit and aging on the lees. In terms of quality, this is comparable to a fine Champagne, Franciacorta, or Cava, but substantially more affordable.

What stands out is the combination of Southern Italian ripeness and almost cool precision. This makes the wine interesting for sparkling wine enthusiasts looking for something just a little less standard. The wine has energy, tension, and a subtle gastronomic character.

Pick up in Dordrecht?

If available, you will find the official factsheet and additional information about this fine wine in the 'Attachments' tab. We will automatically send these to you upon ordering this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you come to collect the wine, you will often receive a nice discount. You will see your discount immediately when you select 'Pick up' on the checkout page. We are located in Dordrecht, situated almost next to the A16 with ample parking. Click here for our address.