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What Is Est! Est!! Est!!! di Montefiascone DOC?
Est! Est!! Est!!! di Montefiascone DOC is one of Italy’s most legendary wines, produced in Lazio’s Viterbo province near the volcanic Lake Bolsena. Recognized as a DOC since 1966, it is crafted from a blend of Trebbiano Toscano (Procanico), Trebbiano Giallo (Rossetto), and Malvasia Bianca, resulting in crisp, refreshing whites available in both still and sparkling styles. More than just a wine, it’s a living story that blends medieval legend with timeless Italian hospitality.
History and Origins
The wine’s fame comes from one of Italy’s best-loved wine legends. In the 12th century, German bishop Johannes Defuk sent his steward ahead to scout wines along his pilgrimage to Rome. At exceptional inns, the steward wrote “Est!” (“It is!”) on the door. Upon tasting the wines of Montefiascone, he was so impressed that he scrawled “Est! Est!! Est!!!”. The bishop lingered here until his death—allegedly due to overindulgence—and was buried in Montefiascone with an epitaph still visible today.
This whimsical story made the wine famous across Europe, embedding it in Italy’s cultural and oenological heritage.
Where It’s Made: Geography & Terroir
The DOC includes Montefiascone and surrounding communes in Lazio’s Viterbo province, north of Rome. Vineyards climb the volcanic hillsides overlooking Lake Bolsena, benefiting from:
- Volcanic soils rich in minerals
- Hillside elevation providing freshness and acidity
- Lake breezes moderating the Mediterranean heat
These elements give the wines their crisp character, lively acidity, and subtle mineral backbone.
The Grape (or Blend)
Est! Est!! Est!!! DOC is typically made from:
- 50–65% Trebbiano Toscano (Procanico)
- 25–40% Trebbiano Giallo (Rossetto)
- 10–20% Malvasia Bianca
This blend creates approachable, lightly aromatic wines with floral, fruity notes. Some producers experiment with Spumante (sparkling) and Classico bottlings from the historic heartland.
Winemaking & DOC Regulations
- DOC Established: 1966
- Yield Limit: 13 tons/ha
- Minimum Alcohol:
- Bianco: 10.5%
- Spumante: 11%
- Classico: 11.5%
- Bianco: 10.5%
- Aging: No minimum required
- Styles: Bianco, Spumante, Classico, Amabile (off-dry), Dolce (sweet)
Key Facts at a Glance
| Attribute | Detail |
| Region | Lazio, Province of Viterbo |
| Vineyard Area | ~344 ha |
| Established | 1966 DOC |
| Grapes | Trebbiano Toscano, Trebbiano Giallo, Malvasia Bianca |
| Styles | Still white, sparkling, Classico |
| Famous For | Legendary name & cultural story |
Tasting Notes
- Appearance: Pale straw yellow, occasionally green-tinged
- Aroma: Apple, pear, wildflowers, with hints of almond
- Palate: Crisp, light-bodied, with lively acidity and a pleasantly bitter finish
- Spumante: Delicate bubbles, citrus zest, refreshing minerality
Serving & Pairing
Serve well chilled (8–10 °C). Perfect with:
- Roman fritti (fried artichokes, zucchini blossoms)
- Seafood pasta or lake fish from Bolsena
- Cacio e pepe or light poultry dishes
- As a refreshing aperitivo wine
Where to Buy & Pricing
Est! Est!! Est!!! wines are often excellent value, usually €10–15, with Classico bottlings closer to €20–25. Availability abroad is limited, but specialty Italian importers and online retailers stock them.
Comparison with Other Lazio DOCs
| DOC | Signature Style | Notable Feature |
| Est! Est!! Est!!! | Crisp Trebbiano blends | Legendary name & Lake Bolsena terroir |
| Frascati DOC | Fresh whites | Vineyards near Rome, volcanic soils |
| Castelli Romani | Diverse blends | Historically Rome’s table wine |
Producer Spotlights
- Falesco Famiglia Cotarella – A modern benchmark for Lazio whites.
- Antica Cantina Leonardi – Traditional producer with ties to the bishop’s legend.
- Cantina di Montefiascone – A cooperative that preserves the classic style.
FAQ on Est! Est!! Est!!! DOC
- Why is it called Est! Est!! Est!!!?
From the medieval story of a bishop’s steward marking exceptional wines with “Est!”—Montefiascone impressed him so much he wrote it three times. - What grapes are in Est! Est!! Est!!! DOC?
Primarily Trebbiano Toscano, Trebbiano Giallo, and Malvasia Bianca. - Is it still made today?
Yes, across several producers around Lake Bolsena, including Spumante and Classico styles. - Where can I buy Est! Est!! Est!!! wines?
Look for Italian specialty wine shops or online importers of Lazio wines.
Fun Facts & Cultural Notes
- Each August, Montefiascone hosts the Festival of Est! Est!! Est!!!, with processions and wine poured over Bishop Defuk’s tomb.
- The bishop’s epitaph in San Flaviano church reads: “Propter nimium Est, hic iacet mortuus…”—blaming his death on drinking too much Est.
- Despite its simple profile, the wine endures because of its cultural story, accessibility, and hospitality tradition.
Ready to taste the legend for yourself?
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Have fun to learn more about Italian Wines and Spirits! Explore also the non-alcoholic beverages
Send us an email if you want to suggest edits, or if you are looking for more info, at
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If you are in the mood for a good book, you can try:
– The Modern History of Italian Wine by Walter Filipputti
– Hidden Gems of Italy: An Insider’s Secret Formula To Find Top-Class Italian Wines At Value Prices And Taste La Dolce Vita by Tony Margiotta
Additionally, you can discover the other wines from Lazio.
