Wine ยท Lake Bolsena
Est! Est!! Est!!! di Montefiascone DOC
Est! Est!! Est!!! di Montefiascone DOC is the white wine most closely associated with Montefiascone, Lake Bolsena and the volcanic landscape of northern Lazio.
The legend behind the name
The medieval legend and Defuk
The global renown of Est! Est!! Est!!! stems from a famous medieval legend of the year 1111: the German bishop Johannes Defuk, travelling to Rome, sent his cupbearer Martino ahead to identify inns serving excellent wine. Martino was instructed to write the Latin word Est ("It is here") on their doors. Upon tasting Montefiascone's wine, he was so impressed that he wrote Est! Est!! Est!!! with three exclamation marks. Defuk shared this enthusiasm, eventually settling in the village until his death. His historical tomb can still be visited inside the Basilica of San Flaviano.
The volcanic terroir of Lake Bolsena
This DOC white wine's identity is defined by the unique volcanic terroir of Montefiascone and the Lake Bolsena basin. The soil, rich in potassium, volcanic ash, pumice, and essential minerals from the ancient Vulsini volcanic complex, imparts a signature mineral freshness and sapidity to the grapes (principally Trebbiano Toscano, Trebbiano Giallo, and Malvasia Bianca Lunga). The lake's microclimate tempers the weather, creating perfect conditions to preserve acidity and primary aromas, which we cover in detail in our Montefiascone wine guide.
DOC style and characteristics
Est! Est!! Est!!! di Montefiascone is a fresh, mineral-forward, and easily drinkable white wine. Local wineries produce it mostly in the Secco (dry) style, though it has historical roots in Abboccato (medium-sweet) and sparkling variations. It presents a straw-yellow color with delicate scents of white flowers and light orchard fruits, making it a perfect match for local cuisine.
How to experience wine tasting in the village
To fully appreciate this historic DOC, we highly recommend planning a winery visit and tasting. You can book an appointment directly with local grape growers using our winery tasting guide, or read about how wine tasting works in Italy. If you enjoy scenic drives, follow the Est! Est!! Est!!! wine route, and if you visit in August, don't miss the historical processions of the August Wine Fair. Pair your glass with the traditional dishes of Montefiascone cuisine for a complete sensory trip.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the wine called Est! Est!! Est!!!?
It dates back to a legend from 1111 involving Martino, the cupbearer of bishop Johannes Defuk. Martino marked inns with good wine as "Est"; at Montefiascone, his enthusiasm led him to write it three times.
What grapes make up the Est! Est!! Est!!! blend?
The DOC guidelines require a blend of Trebbiano Toscano (Procanico), Trebbiano Giallo (Rossetto), and Malvasia Bianca Lunga, grown in the mineral-rich soils near Lake Bolsena.
How can I book a wine tasting in Montefiascone?
You can reserve cellar visits and tasting experiences directly with local producers, or try local vintages at restaurants and wine bars in the historical center of the town.