At Vine Bar, we have the privilege of partnering with winemakers who are as devoted to their craft as they are to the land that nurtures their grapes. One such artist is Francesca Fiasco, a talented young winemaker whose passion and dedication shine through in every bottle. Today, we’re thrilled to introduce you to Francesca, her unique approach to winemaking, and her outstanding achievements.

Where It All Begins: Felitto, Italy
Francesca Fiasco’s vineyard is nestled in the picturesque mountains of Felitto, located in the Campania region of southern Italy. Her vineyard is situated within the Cilento National Forest, creating an environment free from industrial influences, which makes it ideal for practicing biodynamic farming. This area is renowned for its rugged landscape, fertile soils, and Mediterranean climate, all of which play a crucial role in shaping the character of her wines. Felitto’s unique terroir—characterized by a mix of clay and limestone soils and cool breezes from the nearby mountains—creates the perfect environment for growing high-quality grapes that express the true essence of this historic region.

A Winemaking Style Rooted in Tradition and Innovation
Francesca’s winemaking style beautifully balances tradition with innovation. Since taking over the land and cellar that her grandparents started decades ago, she has created a product that is uniquely hers but with the love and tutelage of her Nonno Luigi, who taught her everything she knows about farming and winemaking. She is committed to sustainable and organic viticulture, nurturing her vines with minimal intervention to allow the natural flavors of the grapes to shine through. Her process is meticulous, from hand-harvesting the grapes to vinifying each grape individually.

One of the hallmarks of Francesca’s approach is her dedication to creating blends that include both native Italian varietals—particularly Aglianico, Barbera, Sangiovese, Fiano, and Greco—and the internationally recognized Cabernet Sauvignon. These grapes are celebrated for their depth of flavor and ability to convey a sense of place. Under Francesca’s skilled hand, they transform into wines that are both complex and approachable.

An Elegant and Extravagant Élevage
Francesca’s élevage (the process of aging and maturing the wine) is where her creativity truly shines. She employs a combination of stainless steel and oak for her white wines, and varying ages and sizes of French tonneaux and botti (oak barrels) for her reds, bringing an elegant and extravagant touch to her creations. This unique method of aging allows her to enhance the texture and complexity of each wine while preserving the vibrant, fresh characteristics of the fruit.

Her meticulous attention to detail during this process ensures that every bottle of Francesca Fiasco’s wine offers a layered and refined experience.

Recognition from the Experts: High Ratings from James Suckling
Francesca Fiasco’s dedication to excellence has not gone unnoticed. Her recent releases have received outstanding ratings from renowned wine critic James Suckling:

Ersa 2020: 91 points
Lapazio 2022: 93 points
Difesa 2020: 95 points
Mercori 2019: 96 points
These high scores reflect her commitment to producing wines that are both innovative and true to their roots, offering exceptional quality with every sip.

A Touch of Artistry in Every Bottle
An important piece of Francesca’s story is the artisanal touches you will find in her work. From hand-numbering each bottle to wrapping them in elegant tissue paper and adding unique sayings on each case, her personal touch is evident in every detail. She is a true artisan, blending tradition with modern elegance to create wines that are as unique as they are captivating.

Experience Francesca Fiasco’s Wines at Vine Bar
We are proud to feature Francesca Fiasco’s exquisite wines at Vine Bar. Whether you’re new to Italian wines or a seasoned enthusiast, Francesca’s creations are sure to captivate your senses and elevate your wine experience. Stop by to sample these extraordinary wines, and let us take you on a journey to Felitto, Italy, through the artistry of Francesca Fiasco.