Molise, a slice of central Italy stretching from the Apennines to the Adriatic, has long been an overlooked member of Italy’s wine regions. In fact, Molise was a long time appendix of Abruzzo only gaining official status in the 1980’s. The climate, soil and other conditions in Molise indicate a natural aptitude for the vine though bottlings are still somewhat limited. In the 1970’s the dynamic Luigi Di Majo built a winery from scratch on the vast seaside estates belonging to his wife’s family. Today, Di Majo Norante is setting examples for others to follow as the region struggles for its own vinicultural identity.
Molise does lay claim to its own rustic vines, however, they are not of official record. Instead, Montepulciano leads the red varietals followed by Sangiovese, Barbera, Bombino Rosso and Aglianico. White varietals include Bombino Bianco, Malvasia Bianca, Falanghina and Fiano. Much of Molise consists of rugged mountain ranges that are part of the Apennines. The climate in the province of Isernia, one of Molise’s wine zones, is relatively cool and damp but beyond in the Volturno valley, the warming influence of the Tyrrhenian is felt. Campobasso enjoys a mild climate but the coastal plain near Termoli, can be witheringly hot and dry in summer. Most recent plantings have been in fertile coastal flats.
Molise is definitely a delight for the escapist. Beaches and mountains remain free of tourist throngs. Visitors may sip the local wines and absorb the remnants of Samnite and Roman civilizations at a calm and tranquil pace.
