The region of Molise, located south of Abruzzo, is one of the rather unknown regions and yet to be discovered, despite the dominant role Italian wine plays in Europe. This is certainly due, on the one hand, to the fact that it is the second smallest region in Italy after the Valle d'Aosta, with just 9,500 hectares, and on the other hand, perhaps to the fact that Di Majo Norante, a producer praised for its extraordinary qualities, sells many of its wines under a different signum. In addition, the region is still relatively young: until the 1960s, the vineyards were assigned to the neighbouring region of Abruzzo.
This has also been reflected in the grape varieties, because large parts of the vineyard area are planted with Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, from which red as well as rosé wine is produced, and with Trebbiano d'Abruzzo for white wine. However, especially as far as white wine is concerned, higher-quality varieties such as Fiano d'Avellino and Greco di Tufo are on the rise. International varieties such as Chardonnay, Riesling, Sylvaner and Pinot Blanc are also becoming increasingly popular.
Production is still dominated by many cooperatives, but smaller or larger producers are increasingly being established who have recognised the region's good ageing potential and want to exploit it. The top company Di Majo Norante is a fine example of this.
