Geography & Climate
Molise is a region of Southern Italy, the second smallest of the regions. It was formerly (until 1963) part of the region of Abruzzi e Molise (with Abruzzo) and now a separate entity. The region covers 4,438 km2 and has a population of about 300,000.
Molise borders Abruzzo to the north-west, Lazio to the west, Campania to the south, Puglia to the south-east and the Adriatic Sea to the north-east. With an area of 4 438 km2, Molise is the smallest region in Southern Italy, and the youngest region in the country as a whole.
Molise is a typically inland and mountainous region, despite its 35 km of coast on the Adriatic. About 55% of the region is composed of mountains and the remaining 45% of uplands (interior and coastal uplands). The absence of lowlands and the predominance of mountainous areas constitute a natural barrier to the social and economic development of the region. Climate is directly influenced by topography: there is a maritime climate in the narrow coastal strip, a temperate one in the uplands and a continental climate in the more inland and mountainous areas.
Many of the towns in the interior have been almost abandoned as young people travel to the larger centres to find employment. There is a particularly rich cluster of communities in the Larino area. These are characteristic medieval hilltowns formed around a church, or - as in the case of Larino - a massive cathedral [source: Wikipedia].
Wines
There are only three DOC wines produced in Molise− the Biferno, Molise and Pentro. The Biferno, which comes in red, white and rosè is made around Campobasso. The Pentro, which comes in red, white and rosè as well is made at Isernia. The Molise comes in red and white varietals and is made almost all over the region [source: Wine Country].
The wines of Molise achieved their own independence in the 1980's with the creation of two DOCs: Biferno (named after the largest river in Molise) and Pentro di Isernia. These hillside areas receive wonderful sunshine and are sandwiched between the Apennines Mountains and the Adriatic Sea. Biferno wines can be red, white or rosè. The whites are predominantly made from the Trebbiano grape along with the Bombino in smaller proportions. The reds are a blend of mostly Montepulciano with some of the Aglianico grape. Wines from Pentro di Isernia can also be red, white or rosè. The whites are the same Trebbiano-Bombino grape blend, while the reds (and rosè) are usually a blend of Montepulciano and Sangiovese.
More recently, in 1968 a DOC also called Molise was created. This DOC encompasses the region and allows for white, red, rosènd even sparkling wines. Many grapes are permitted including Aglianico, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Falgina, Greco Bianco, Muscato, Pinot Bianco, Sauvignon Blanc, Sangiovese, and others. Molise seems to have all the natural prerequisites for making great wines. Up until now, that potential has not been fulfilled [source: IntoWine].
Sonkin, Lorin. "Italy's Molise Wine Region: Where Di Majo Norante Shines." IntoWine.Com. (accessed 10/12/2009)
http://www.intowine.com/italys-molise-wine-region-where-di-majo-norante-shines
"Molise." Wikipedia (accessed 10/12/2009)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molise
Wine Country. "Molise: From the Mountains to the Sea." (accessed 10/12/2009)
http://winecountry.it/regions/molise
