This week I had a welcome opportunity to try Tintilia and add another notch in my belt towards tasting the estimated 350 commercially viable indigenous varietal that are cultivated in Italy. (I have EST 300+ to go.)  Considering the fact that most Italians outside of Molise haven't heard of this grape, Tintilia is a varietal that is almost certainly unknown outside of Italy. In fact, the importer for this wine, who is from Liguria, admitted that he had never heard or this varietal until he found it at Vinitaly.  

The nose of iron-rich soil, dark cherries, tea leaves and leather is a warm, comforting start to this red made from Molise's native grape of Tintilia. The palate manages to feel energetic, even as it continues to deliver black cherries and blackberries, now joined by black olives and pepper. You may have noticed the "Anfora" in the name of this wine.  The vinification is completely in Amphora, which gives this wine a distinct mineral note. 

This bottle is a fine example of the potential of the Tintilia Varietal. 

You can also grab a bottle of the entry level Tintilia from the same producer HERE.