Molise

Overview

Molise is Italy's best-kept secret - a small, largely rural region sandwiched between Abruzzo and Puglia that has remained astonishingly untouched by mass tourism and commercial winemaking. For decades, it was administratively joined with Abruzzo, and even today it retains an authentic, timeless character.

The region is divided between mountainous inland terrain and a short but beautiful Adriatic coastline. This diversity allows for both fresh, mountain-influenced whites and sun-drenched, Mediterranean reds. Viticulture here is small-scale and traditional, with many family estates cultivating vines that have been passed down through generations.

Molise's wines are beginning to attract attention for their purity and authenticity. Montepulciano and Aglianico produce sturdy, flavorful reds, while Tintilia del Molise - a grape found nowhere else - offers wines of remarkable depth, spice, and dark fruit. This is a region for adventurous wine lovers seeking something truly off the beaten path.

Key Varietals

• TintiliaMolise's signature native grape, yielding deeply colored, spicy reds with blackberry, plum, and black pepper character.
• MontepulcianoWidely planted for robust, approachable reds with dark fruit, soft tannins, and a savory, earthy finish.
• AglianicoThriving in Molise's warmer sites, producing structured, age-worthy reds with smoky dark fruit and firm tannins.
• Falanghina & TrebbianoCrisp, refreshing whites with citrus and floral notes, perfect for the region's seafood-focused coastal cuisine.