Molinara is a native black grape variety from the Verona area, with a long history in the wine-growing tradition of the province of Verona. The name refers to the characteristic thick bloom that covers the berries, making them look as though they have been dusted with flour; its historical synonyms include Rossara and Rossanella. It is traditionally grown in Valpolicella, in the Bardolino area and on the morainic hills of Lake Garda, where it contributes to the blends of the region’s main red and rosé wines.
From an ampelographic point of view, it produces a medium-to-long, cylindrical or conical bunch, often with wings and of medium density. The berries are medium-sized, spheroidal and uniform, with a thick, reddish-purple skin that is intensely pruinose and very juicy flesh. The leaf is large, pentagonal or tending towards a circular shape, generally three-lobed, with a broad petiole sinus and a V-shaped base; the leaf blade is flat, slightly blistered and almost hairless.
When vinified, it produces wines with a bright ruby colour, sometimes more subdued in rosé expressions, characterised by delicate aromas of small red berries, floral notes and spicy undertones. Its marked freshness, accompanied by fine tannins and a generally light-bodied structure, makes it a valuable component for balance, flavour and drinkability. When vinified as a single variety, it produces fragrant and lively rosés, whilst in traditional blends it contributes to the wine’s harmony and ageing potential.
