Lagena D'Uva an excellent Tintilia del Molise

D'Uva Tintillia del Molise DOC 2012 Lagena

Molise is often an overlooked and underestimated land, and we are not referring only to the world of wine. This region has a microclimate that is well suited to certain grape varieties and could contribute greatly to the Italian wine landscape.
Cantine D'Uva di Larino (CB) were founded in the 1940s through the work of Angelo, and were later developed during the 1960s and 1970s by his son Sebastiano. Today the estate spans approximately 250 hectares and is actively managed by Angelo, Sebastiano's son, who – thanks to the collaboration of winemaker Donato di Tommaso – carries on the family tradition with the cultivation and vinification of Trebbiano, Malvasia and Chardonnay for the whites, Montepulciano and Cabernet Sauvignon for the reds, alongside the native variety Tintilia, which we discuss today.

Tintilia is a black-berried grape variety native to Molise. In truth it is far more than native – it is self-limiting; this means that when grown in any other territory it does not produce satisfying oenological results.
Originally from the inland areas but also found in some zones bordering Abruzzo and Campania, it came close to complete abandonment. In recent years it has undergone a strong reappraisal by growers and consumers alike, to the point of becoming the most representative wine of Molise's wine culture.
In appearance it presents a ruby color with a slightly orange hue, brilliant and very intense; on the nose it reveals itself as light, laden with spicy notes of pepper and juniper berries, with vague earthy and dry floral hints reminiscent of violet. On the palate the sweet impact is surprising – not particularly complex, yet fruity, full and rich in pleasant tactile sensations; the tannin is notable and not particularly evolved but not sandy, and there is a very long finish with a floral violet aftertaste.