Molise Flashcards
Which region is Italy’s second smallest and the second least populated behind Valle d’Aosta?
Molise
What is Abruzzi e Molise?
It was the region that included Abruzzo and Molise up until 1963.
Molise’s main grapes, Montepulciano and Trebbiano Abruzzese were inherited from Abruzzo.
What people inhabited Molise until the region was conquered by Rome in the 3rd century BC?
The ancient Italic Samnites tribe; as early as the 7th century.
Who took over Molise after the fall of the Roman Empire?
The region was annexed by the Lombards and then taken over by the Normans who incorporated the region into the Kingdom of Sicily in the 11th century.
In the 14th century, the Kingdom of Sicily became the Kingdom of Italy in 1861.
Where is Molise located?
Molise lies on the Adriatic coast. Abruzzo sits to the north, Puglia to the southeast, Campania to the southwest and Lazio to the west.
Describe the topography of Molise in regards to mountains and hills.
The mountain ranges in this region are part of the Southern Apennines and lie in the western and central portions of the region. The peaks give way to hills closer to the Adriatic and the region’s only truly flat areas are found on the short and narrow coast.
- 55% Mountains
- 45% Hills
- > 1% Plains
Name the principal river in Molise.
Biferno River; it flows northeast across the region and empties into the Adriatic Sea.
What is the climate in Molise?
The coast is Mediterranean.
It becomes more continental inland at higher elevations.
What are the soil types found in Molise?
The coastal hills are composed of clay and sand.
Inland and in the west (around Isernia), they are composed of limestone and marl.
What percentage of Molise’s total area under vine is planted to red grape varieties?
More than 70%.
Rank the grape varieties planted in Molise from most to least widely.
- Montepulciano (49%)
- Cabernet Sauvignon (8%)
- Trebbiano Abruzzese (6%)
- Sangiovese (5%)
- Trebbiano Toscano (4%)
-
Tintilia (2%)
Others (26%)
What is the one native and traditional red variety grown in Molise?
Tintilia; considered to be native to this region even though this has not yet been concretely proven. Some believe it was brought from Spain.
At one time, Tintilia was more widely planted, but it lost ground due to what?
It is not very productive.
How was Tintilia traditionally used in the production of wine?
It was blended with Montepulciano.
What are the characteristics of wines made from Tintilia?
Full-bodied, deep ruby in colour with purple highlights, fresh acidity and fine tannins. Aromas of flowers, ripe plum, underbrush, leather, licorice and spice.
