Rotae

The Protected Geographical Indication "Rotae" includes three types of wine: White (also Sparkling and Passito), Red (also Sparkling and Novello), Rosé (also Sparkling).

Grapes

The wines with Protected Geographical Indication "Rotae" must be produced from grapes from vines suitable for cultivation in Molise. The specification of the vine is reserved for wines at least 85% obtained from the corresponding vine. In these cases, for the remaining 15%, all the grapes of the same colour, suitable for cultivation in Molise, may also be used.

Physicochemical and Organoleptic properties

For wines with the protected geographical indication "Rotae", the minimum total alcoholic strength by volume shall be 10% vol. for white and semi-sparkling wines, 10% vol. for red and rosé wines and 11% vol. for young wines. For the passito, on the other hand, the alcohol content is 14%.

Grape production area

The production area coincides with the entire province of Isernia. The area is made up of hilly areas interspersed with valleys and sub-floor areas. The cultivation of vines is allowed on the hills at an altitude of not less than 200 m above sea level.

Specificity and historical notes

Molise wine was already famous in Roman times, as testified by the writings of Pliny, who tells of the existence of two wines of excellent quality, Paetrutianu and Pumula. In the following centuries, the barbarian invasions and the presence of the Longobards pushed the local population to build fortified centers and also the vineyards underwent deep transformations, from the structure to trees, widespread in Roman times, to small plots with tree cultivation.