1993 Tenuta di Fiorano 'Fiorano' Bianco Botte 25

In the heart of Rome, amidst the whispers of history and the shadows of the ancient Appian Way, lies the enchanting tale of the Fiorano estate. A story of passion, tradition, and an eccentric prince, 1993 Fiorano Fiorano Bianco Botte 25 is a wine that encapsulates the essence of its creator, Prince Alberico Boncompagni Ludovisi.

Picture a secluded back room near the Trevi Fountain, where a select group of wine connoisseurs sits captivated by a dozen glasses of Fiorano’s white wines. Among these glasses, the 1993 Fiorano Fiorano Bianco stands out, a testament to the prince’s dedication to creating something truly extraordinary. This wine, made from the rare combination of Malvasia Candida and Sémillon grapes, defies the norms and expectations of Italian whites.

Prince Alberico was no ordinary winemaker. He was a well known introvert and iconoclast who made wine more for himself. As a result, he didn't care much for sales and marketing. After inheriting the Fiorano estate in 1946, he replanted it with unconventional grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malvasia Candida, and Sémillon. His approach was organic, with yields kept ridiculously low for maximum concentration. The prince's cellar was a marvel, with large numbered barrels covered in fine white mold, believed to be beneficial to the wine (later proven to be so).

Fiorano’s wines were a well-kept secret, cherished by a fortunate few. Luigi Veronelli, a renowned Italian wine writer, praised the Sémillon as a refined rarity. These wines, with their magical ability to taste younger as they aged, have captivated palates and hearts alike. The 1993 Fiorano Bianco, with its lingering flavors and youthful vibrancy, is a perfect example.

Even the esteemed Eric Asimov, the top wine critic at The New York Times, dedicated a whole article to praising their special qualities.

Today, the Fiorano estate is managed by Prince Alberico’s son, Alessandrojacopo Boncompagni Ludovisi, who continues his father’s traditions with the same passion and commitment. The 1993 Fiorano Fiorano Bianco Botte 25 is not just a wine; it is a legacy, a piece of history that enchants with every sip.

Italian white wine enthusiasts who already know and love aged wines from Valentini, Pepe, Gravner and Radikon will be thrilled to know and add Fiorano to this list. These are some of the last bottles in existence.