molise
Central Italy's overlooked gem
Molise, little-known wines deserving greater attention
Amidst the hills and coasts, Molise tells stories of uncharted lands, profound authenticity, and ancestral traditions. Molise, an oasis of serenity, offers enchanting landscapes and a unique experience of culture and history, away from the beaten path.
A region predominantly mountainous and hilly, Molise stands out for its geographical variety, ranging from snow-capped peaks to sandy shores.
With only 0.7% of the Italian territory, Molise is a small region but surprisingly rich in natural and cultural diversity.
The climate of Molise varies from the interior areas, with cold winters and hot summers, to the coasts, with a mild Mediterranean climate. A region with deep roots, Molise preserves historical testimonies dating back to the Samnite and Roman eras.
- Despite being the second smallest region in Italy, Molise boasts incredible biodiversity, with highly diversified landscapes and fauna.
- Molise once used to be part of the Abruzzo and Molise region. Cultural affinities with Abruzzo are especially evident in coastal areas, where trabucchi (fishing engines) often appear. The northern reaches of the region are also part of the Abruzzo, Molise and Lazio national park.
- Area: 4.461 km2 (19th out of 20)
- Mountain: 55,3%
- Hill: 44,7%
- Highest peak: Monte Mare (2.124 mt)
- Population: 290.636 (0,5%)
- Province: Campobasso, Isernia
insights
Molise Travel Guide
Where is located Molise?
Molise is located in southern Italy, nestled between the regions of Abruzzo to the north, Lazio to the west, Campania to the south, and Puglia to the southeast. It also has a short coastline along the Adriatic Sea to the east.
What see in Molise?
From Termoli, with its beaches and ancient borough, to Campobasso, the heart of the region, Molise offers hidden treasures in every corner.
- Termoli: picturesque coastal town with a medieval cathedral.
- Agnone: the town of the bells
- Collemeluccio-Montedimezzo biosphere: UNESCO-protected natural reserve
- Larino: Ancient roman ruins, including an intact theater
What are the traditional dishes of Molise?
Molise is renowned at a national level for its cheeses – most notably Caciocavallo di Agnone, Scamorza di Bojano and Formaggio di Pietracatella.
Local recipes display a mix of influences from neighboring regions: for instance cavatelli pasta from Puglia meets spigatelli (broccoli) or spicy salami sauce in inland Molise, while bredette from the town of Termoli is similar to the brodetto alla vastese fish soup also served on the southern coast of Abruzzo.
What most people ignore, however, is that Molise offers the greatest quantity of white truffle in Italy. While the precious nuggets are mostly shipped to other regions – including Piedmont – the region’s best restaurants always feature tagliolini with a gentle shaving of local white truffles during the fall season.
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Grapes in Molise
Tintilia del Molise is the region’s largest DOC, covering the entire surface lying above 200 meters.
What are the grape varieties in Molise?
Biferno is the other prominent wine-growing area: named after the Biferno river, this hilly area descending from Campobasso, the chief town of Molise, to the coast houses some of best-known producers from Molise, who make whites and reds from a wide variety of different grapes, including Montepulciano, Aglianico, Falanghina and international varieties.
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Molise Wine Areas
The wines of Molise were virtually unknown until a few years ago but the situation is slowly changing. While pioneers of regional viticulture focused on varieties from neighboring regions such as Montepulciano and Falanghina, the native Tintilia grape has taken center stage in recent years, producing especially characterful wines.
- Hectares under vine: 3,639
- Total production: 513,000 hl
- Percentage of DOC wines:
- Vineyard altitude:
- Number of DOCGs: 8%
- Vineyard altitude: 100 to 700 meters above sea level
- Number of wineries: 35
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Wineries in Molise
What are the key wineries in Molise?
A peaceful retreat tucked between Central and Southern Italy, Molise is still little traveled by wine lovers.
Mostly mountainous and hilly, with only 35 kilometers of coastline, the region is characterized by an untouched, verdant rural landscape – not unlike Abruzzo but even wilder and more authentic.
Cult Producers
- Di Majo Norante
Up-and-Coming Producers
- Cianfagna
- Claudio Cipressi
- Steiger-Kalena
- Tenimenti Grieco
Natural Producers
- Vinica
Wine areas
Discover the Hidden Gem: Molise wine region is a well-kept secret of Italy. Its stunning landscapes and coastal beauty, paired with the allure of genuine Italian wine, create an experience waiting to be uncovered
Grapes
Discover the Shared Flavors: Molise, in harmony with its neighboring regions of Abruzzo, Puglia, and Campania, embraces grape varieties like Trebbiano, Falanghina, Montepulciano, Sangiovese
Wineries
The Molise region boasts a varied topography, with hillside vineyards that enjoy optimal exposure to abundant sunshine, creating the ideal conditions for grapes to thrive
Travel
Molise, despite its captivating sandy beaches, rugged mountains, and ancient settlements, has managed to remain off the beaten tourist path, often by sheer serendipity.
Molise
Curiosities, food and wine pairings and much more
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