Molise is a mountainous region in south-central Italy, and is one of the nation's smallest wine regions alongside Aosta Valley. Its neighbors include Abruzzo and Lazio to the north and Campania and Puglia to the south. It is considered a rather obscure region, because although wines have been made in Molise as far back as 500 BC with influences coming from the Samnites, Etruscans and Romans, it only gained its independence as a wine region in the last half of the 20th century. Overshadowed by its neighbor Abruzzo, of which it was politically a part until 1963 (Abruzzi e Molise), Molise finally gained two of its own DOCs, Biferno and Pentro di Isernia, in the 1980s.
Biferno wines are produced in the province of Campobasso and include reds, whites and roses. The white blends comprise mainly Trebbiano Toscano supported by smaller portions of Bombino, while the reds lean towards Montepulciano combined with a little Aglianico and some Trebbiano Toscano. Pentro di Isernia also produces all three, although its red blend consists of a Montepulciano/Sangiovese mix. Biferno's wines differ slightly, displaying less acidity and more body because of its terroir: mountains give way to high plains that slope down towards the sea.
In 1998, these two DOCs were joined by the newer Molise del Molise DOC, which encompasses the whole region and (unlike its counterparts) also makes sparkling spumante. Several grape varieties reign in this area, including Aglianico, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Falanghina, Montepulciano and the native Tintilia.
Despite its small size – vineyards cover around 23,475 acres (9500ha) and production sits at only approximately 400,000 hL a year, of which only 2% is DOC – this region offers diverse topography. The hillside vineyards provide excellent exposure and plentiful sunshine where grapes can flourish. Most of the vines are found in the southern hills and valleys surrounded by the Matese and Mainarde ranges. The combination of morainic and calcareous soils, its location between the Apennines and Adriatic Sea, and the varied climates (maritime along the narrow coastal part, temperate in the upper valleys and continental further inland around the mountainous areas) provide a favorable terroir for the cultivation of vines.
