Tintilia

The Tintilia grape is native and only found in Molise and very little known outside the region. The name Tintilia seems to derive from its color, from the intense color of its berries, taking violet tones, almost black. Until recently it was confused with the variety of Bovale, present in Sardinia, but subsequent studies have shown the groundlessness of these thesis, and from 2002, Tintilia has been registered in the National Register of Grapevine Varieties as an authorized variety exclusively of Molise.

The grape has been the subject of a progressive abandonment and replacement with Montepulciano, given its low levels of productivity, but has recently been rediscovered for its ability to give high quality wines. It is a grape that can give wine a color, fragrance, structure, good acidity and elegant tannins. For these reasons the grape is very versatile and you can find both fresh and drinkable as well as structured and elegant wines.

The Tintilia berry is black, small, and elliptical with skin of medium thickness, very waxy, blue-black colored. The cluster is medium to long, straggly with a medium, pentagonal or orbicular leaf. The Tintilia variety has medium vigor and time of late ripening. It is very resistant to drought, and its productivity is very low.

The Tintilia grape gives a very dark red wine, almost purple. The nose is grassy and fruity, with notes of artichoke, asparagus and plum. The taste is fresh because of its good acidity and structured, with elegant tannins and alcohol content. The Tintilia grape is suitable for ageing.