MOLISE
Location
Molise is a mountainous region located in south-central Italy. It is Italy’s second smallest wine region after the Aosta Valley. Molise shares borders with Abruzzo and Lazio to the north, and Campania and Puglia to the south.
Grape Variety:
Trebbiano Toscano: Used mainly in white blends.
Bombino: Also found in white blends.
Montepulciano: A red grape variety.
Aglianico: Another red grape variety.
Tintilia: A red variety unique to Molise, required to be composed of 95 percent Tintilia
Climate:
Maritime Climate: Along the narrow coastal section.
Temperate Climate: In the upper valleys.
Continental Climate: Further inland around the mountainous areas. These varying climates provide favorable conditions for wine production1.
History:
Molise has a rich winemaking tradition dating back centuries. Although it gained independence as a wine region only in the last half of the 20th century, vinification in Molise dates as far back as 500 BC.
Famous Wines:
Biferno: Produced in the province of Campobasso, Biferno wines come in red, white, and rosé varieties.
Pentro di Isernia: Also produces reds, whites, and rosés, with a red blend of Montepulciano and Tintilia.
Tintilia del Molise: A DOC specifically for the red Tintilia grape variety, requiring it to be composed of 95 percent Tintilia