The Legendary Est! Est!! Est!!! Wine of Montefiascone

In the scenic region of Lazio, near the serene Lake Bolsena, lies Montefiascone - a name synonymous with a legendary white wine, Est! Est!! Est!!! di Montefiascone DOC. This quaint Italian town's name is etched in history, deriving from "mons," meaning mountain, and "flasconis," indicating the falaschi reeds that grew along the lake's edge. These reeds, once used to line flasks, are intertwined with the town's viniculture heritage.

The Composition and Character of Est! Est!! Est!!! Wines

Est! Est!! Est!!! wines are a harmonious blend, primarily comprising 50-65% Trebbiano Toscano, supplemented by 25-40% of Trebbiano Giallo (Rossetto), and 10-15% of Malvasia Lunga and/or Malvasia del Lazio. These grapes, cultivated within the Viterbo province, span across several municipalities including Montefiascone itself. These wines usually present a straw-yellow hue and are known for their slightly aromatic nature, carrying a minimum alcohol content of 10.5%.

The Varieties of Est! Est!! Est!!! Wine

This wine comes in three distinct types:

1. Est! Est !! Est !!! di Montefiascone: A well-balanced and fresh wine, it has a straw-yellow color, with a light aromatic profile, savory, harmonious, and persistently pleasing with a slight bitter undertone.
2. Est! Est !! Est !!! di Montefiascone Spumante: This sparkling variant is balanced and fresh, with a fine, persistent bubble and a pleasing, subtly fruity aroma.
3. Est! Est !! Est !!! di Montefiascone Classico: Fresh and balanced, this version can be either dry or sweet, characterized by its light aromatic quality and a lingering, slightly bitter aftertaste.

The Legend Behind the Name

The tale dates back to 1111, when Henry V of Germany journeyed to Rome to be crowned as Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. Accompanying him was Bishop Johannes Defuk, a renowned wine aficionado. Defuk's loyal cupbearer, Martino, was tasked with scouting the finest wines en route. They agreed on a code: Martino was to mark "Est" at the door of inns serving good wine, and "Est" twice for exceptionally good wine.

Upon reaching Montefiascone and tasting the local wine, Martino was so impressed that he marked "Est! Est !! Est !!!" with six exclamation points. The travelers concurred with Martino's judgment, leading to an extended stay in the town. Bishop Defuk eventually returned to Montefiascone, where he spent his remaining days, allegedly passing away in 1113 due to overindulgence in the wine.

Defuk was buried in the Church of San Flaviano, where his tombstone famously reads, "For too much EST! Here lies dead Bishop Johannes Defuk." As a gesture of gratitude, he bequeathed 24,000 coins to the village, on the condition that a small bottle of wine be poured on his tomb annually - a tradition still honored today.

The bishop's memory is celebrated every August during the "Wine Festival," featuring a week-long array of vibrant events, including medieval music, markets, and a procession at the Church of San Flaviano.

Pairing Est! Est!! Est!!! Wine

Served ideally at 10°C, Est! Est!! Est!!! pairs exquisitely with blue fish like tuna or swordfish, and with fresh cheeses such as ricotta.