Molise

The region of Molise acts as a hinge between the centre and the south of the Italian peninsula. It is a mountainous region with a very short coastline on the Adriatic Sea, so its wine production is rather limited. Molise produces more red than white wines, from the Montepulciano, Aglianico and Sangiovese grape varieties. But the real star of the region’s contemporary wine-growing is the native grape variety, Tintilia. Tintilia del Molise DOC is a recent designation for red and rosé wines, dedicated to promoting this grape variety, which probably arrived in Molise in the 18th century. The name derives from ‘tinto’, the Spanish word for red. It had almost been forgotten, but some producers in the high hills of Isernia were convinced that it had potential, so they began vinifying it on its own, with great care and attention. Tintilia has sparse clusters and its berries are small with a thick skin, rich in colouring substances. Tintilia del Molise DOC wines are now the jewel in the crown of Molise oenology, even though the designation was only created in 2011.

The Pentro di Isernia DOC designation is older and mainly includes the red wines produced with Montepulciano grapes in the hilly inland area in the province of Isernia, where the climate is cool and continental. Wine-growing is most developed in the province of Campobasso along the course of the Biserno river, thanks to the gentler conformation of the land and the climate, rendered milder by the closeness of the Adriatic Sea. Biserno DOC Bianco wines, produced mainly with Trebbiano, are simple, drinkable wines to be enjoyed when young, while the Biserno DOC Rosso wines produced with Montepulciano and Aglianico grapes are full-bodied, soft and fruity, while the Riserva version is full-bodied and complex. There is also a rosé called Biserno DOC Rosato, which is a well-balanced wine to be drunk young. Molise DOC wines are produced throughout the region, white and red, including spumante, from international and local grape varieties. The whites include Chardonnay, Falanghina, Fiano, Greco and the reds include Aglianico, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.