Molise

Molise wine is less well known in Germany than the products of other parts of Italy, despite a wine-growing tradition thousands of years old and very good quality. This is due firstly to the fact that the region has only been independent for a few decades and secondly to the comparatively low volume of production. 

Molise wine: There is still something to discover here.

The red wines of strong character from the Aglianico and Montepulciano grape varieties and the lively white wines from Greco Bianco and Falanghina deserve your attention. Discover the first-class red and white Molise wine here in VINELLO's offer.

Location and geography of the Molise wine region

Molise is one of the smallest Italian wine regions. It extends in the southern Italian provinces of Campobasso and Isernia. In the north are the Abruzzi, in the west Lazio and in the southwest Campania. A sandy Adriatic coastline with a length of 35 kilometres forms the eastern border. Between the Adriatic Sea and Campania, Apulia joins Molise in the southeast. 

In terms of landscape, the region is divided from west to east into the mountain ranges of Alto Molise in Isernia, the hilly area of Basso Molise in Campobasso and the immediate coastal areas. Alto Molise is part of the Apennines and enchants its visitors with intact natural landscapes and picturesque small mountain villages. 

The vineyards are spread from the foothills of the mountains to the sea, with most of the wine being cultivated in the hills of Basso Molise at altitudes of up to 600 metres. A small-scale structure is predominant. Many wineries have an area of only one hectare and sometimes even less. However, there are also some large producers such as the Di Majo Norante estate, which has 125 hectares available for the cultivation of Molise wine.

Climate and soil in Molise

The province of Isernia has a continental mountain climate with minus degrees and snow in winter. The lower coastal parts of the region are characterised by a milder climate. They are more exposed to the temperate influences of the Adriatic. In the summer months, daytime temperatures here range from 27 to 29 °C. During the winter period, the thermometer rarely falls below the frost line, even at night. The subsoil in the Molise wine region alternates between clay, sand and limestone. 

History of wine growing in Molise

Molise was not granted the status of a separate region until 1963. Historically, before that it mostly belonged to the Abruzzo region. The first DOC areas were established in the 1980s. This is one of the reasons why Molise wine is still less well known abroad than its northern neighbour. In terms of tradition, Molise is not inferior to the renowned wine regions in Italy. Wine was already being grown here by the Etruscans and Samnites in 500 BC. These peoples had learned the art of winegrowing from the Greeks, who at that time populated the parts of Italy further south. 

Red and white Molise wine

The most important red variety of the wine region is Aglianico. It was already introduced into neighbouring Campania 2,500 years ago. Due to the high content of tannins, Aglianico usually matures for several years to develop its flavour. Therefore the variety is very popular for Riserva, which has to be stored longer according to legal regulations. Furthermore, for example Tintilia del Molise and Montepulciano as well as the international red wine varieties Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are cultivated. 

Popular white wine varieties in Molise are the autochthonous southern Italian Greco Bianco and Falanghina. The name Falanghina literally means "tied to the stake". It refers to the classical way of wine growing, which was already common in ancient times. Other white wine varieties grown in the area include Bombino Bianco, Trebbiano and Chardonnay.

Interesting facts about the Molise wine region

Which Molise wine is classified as DOC or IGT?

There are four DOC regions in the Molise wine region: Molise, Biferno, Pentro di Isernia and Tintilia del Molise The Molise DOC differs from the other areas in that it covers the entire region of the same name. Two areas have IGT status: Terre degli Osci and Rota. IGT designates land wines with a defined origin. DOC wines are one quality level higher and correspond approximately to the German Qualitätswein of certain growing regions. 

How big is the Molise wine region?

In the Italian region of Molise, approximately 7,500 hectares are designated as wine-growing areas. 

How much Molise wine is produced per year?

Approximately 230,000 hectares of wine are produced in Molise each year.

Buy Molise wine at VINELLO

VINELLO's offer includes both IGT country wines and the high quality DOC wines. A prominent place is taken by wine from Molise of Norante. The Di Majo Norante winery is one of the leading suppliers in the region. Try for example the complex red Contado Aglianico del Molise Riserva DOC or the Ramitello Biferno Rosso DOC. You can buy an elegant white balcony wine with the Ramí Falanghina del Molise DOC or the Molí Bianco Terre degli Osci IGT.