In Molise, there is only one true indigenous grape variety (which we have also awarded). Here's what it is Gambero Rosso International

If there is a grape variety in Molise capable of showing us the path taken by the region's wineries, it is Tintilia. Here, we discuss the label that we believe offers the best quality-to-price ratio

The journeys undertaken by grape varieties are almost always difficult to trace. However, there are places where these migrations are easier to track, and one such place is Molise. If we examine its ampelographic palette, we immediately see the routes through which the grape varieties that compose it have travelled. From the north, Montepulciano and Trebbiano have journeyed southward; moving in the opposite direction, we find Fiano, Aglianico, and Falanghina.
As is well known, the only true indigenous grape of Molise is Tintilia. There are now many producers exploring the potential of this grape, with increasingly interesting results. Among these is Tenute Martarosa.

After earning his degree and working outside the region, Michele Travaglini decided in 2014 to return to Molise. In Campomarino, both his maternal and paternal families had a long winemaking tradition dating back to 1938. Michele chose to revive this heritage, and in 2016, for the first time, the harvest was not sold but vinified.
Thus, Tenute Martarosa was (re)born. The winery currently boasts about twenty hectares of vineyards, which include Montepulciano, Malvasia, Trebbiano, and, most importantly, Tintilia.

Molise Tintilia 2021 - Tenute Martarosa

The best quality-to-price wine in Molise according to the Berebene 2025 Guide

The increasingly warm vintages of recent years certainly do not make it easy for Tintilia to produce balanced wines. It is up to the skill of the producers to achieve the difficult task of harmonising the various components to ensure drinkability without heaviness. It seems to us that Michele is on the right track, which is why we wanted to recognise his efforts with the Regional Quality-to-Price Award given by the Berebene 2025 Guide of Gambero Rosso.

His Tintilia '21, which also reached our final tastings and earned Due Bicchieri Rossi, is truly remarkable: it has aromas of ripe cherry and wild berries. On the palate, it returns to a fruit profile streaked with slightly earthy nuances, adding complexity to an effective sip with good depth.