Tintilia is Molise's native black grape and is considered the symbol of the region's winemaking. In this guide you will find its history, what the Tintilia del Molise DOC requires, what the wine is like and what to pair it with.
A grape that nearly disappeared
Tintilia was once widespread in Molise. Because of its low yields it was replaced by more productive varieties and was at risk of disappearing. Thanks to the passion of a few local producers it was rediscovered and today makes wines of great quality, although the area under vine is still very small.
The Tintilia del Molise DOC
The "Tintilia del Molise" controlled designation of origin (DOC) was recognised by ministerial decree on 1 June 2011. The rules require vineyards to be at least 95% Tintilia and allow three types: Rosso, Rosso Riserva and Rosato.
In the glass
The colour is an intense ruby red. Common aromas include berries, sour cherry, raspberry and plum, with hints of liquorice and vanilla. It has marked tannins and a pleasant freshness.
The same grape is also used for a rosé and for a white wine, made by vinifying the red grapes as a white.
Food pairing
Red Tintilia goes well with medium-aged or aged cheeses and with Molise's traditional cured meats, for example Aged Caciocavallo from Agnone or Soppressata Molisana. You can also cook with it, as in our Tintilia Wine Cake.
Our Tintilia wines
Our Tintilia wines come from the Campi Valerio winery in Monteroduni (IS):
- Opalia - Tintilia del Molise DOC: the red, winner among red wines of Southern Italy at the Radici del Sud competition (June 2023).
- La Lana - Tintilia del Molise DOC: a full-bodied red, fermented and aged in amphora.
- Per una Rosa - Rosé of Tintilia: a dry, fresh rosé with notes of strawberry, raspberry and cherry; winner among rosés from native grapes of Southern Italy at Radici del Sud (June 2023).
- Opalia Bianco - Tintilia del Molise: Tintilia vinified as a white, fresh, with floral and white peach notes.
