Food & wine · Local DOC
Est! Est!! Est!!! is the local white DOC wine of Montefiascone, born on the volcanic terroir of Lake Bolsena and famous for the medieval legend behind its name. This guide explains the wine, its background and the best way to discover it in town.
The name comes from a famous medieval legend: a travelling bishop sent his steward ahead to mark inns serving good wine with the word Est ('there is'). In Montefiascone the wine was so good that he wrote Est! Est!! Est!!!. The story, tied to the figure of Defuk, links wine and town identity and is recalled at the Basilica of San Flaviano.
The wine takes its character from the volcanic terroir around Lake Bolsena: volcanic soils, the influence of the lake and the altitude shape this white. It is a product deeply connected to the landscape it comes from.
The best way to discover it is a tasting in the town's cellars; local wineries and sommeliers can guide you on styles and pairings. It goes naturally with the lake-and-hills cuisine: see where to eat, and combine your visit with the travel guide and Lake Bolsena.
From a medieval legend: a bishop's steward marked good-wine inns with 'Est', and in Montefiascone wrote 'Est! Est!! Est!!!' for the excellent local white. The tale is tied to the figure of Defuk.
A white DOC wine from the Montefiascone and Lake Bolsena area, linked to a volcanic terroir and produced in different styles by local wineries.
In the town's cellars and at local food-and-wine events. A guided tasting is the best way to understand its styles and pairings.