Est! Est!! Est!!! Yes, there it is !!!

The city of Montefiascone overlooks Bolsena Lake.: the European largest roughly circular volcanic lake. Surrounded by the chain of Vulsini mountain , the lake is 300.000 years old and it’s the largest volcanic basin of Italy. In the middle of the lake there are two islands, Bisentina and  Martana. They are both  privately owned, covered by deep vegetation, Mediterranean plants, populated by numerous colonies of water birds and most importantly, there are churches and houses built between the XV and XVI centuries.

In this area viticulture has been practiced since the time of the Etruscans, who dug caves in the tuff to create wine cellars. The fertility of the land is mainly due to its volcanic origin, present throughout the Tuscia area, generates mineral, fresh and pleasant wines with great aging potential.

The name of the wine goes back to the 12th-century when a German bishop, named Defuk, was traveling to Rome to meet with the Pope. The bishop, very passionate about wine, sent his prelate, Martino, ahead of him. He instructed him to write ‘Est’ (Latin for ‘there is’) on a door or on a wall when he was particularly impressed with the quality of the wine. When he arrived in Montefiascone the prelate was reportedly so overwhelmed with the local wine that he wrote Est Est Est on the door of a tavern. Defuk loved so much the wine that on the way back from Rome he stopped again in Montefiascone where he died few years later. His rests are inside Saint Flaviano Church, the place where he has been buried.

Est! Est!! Est!!! is a white wine with mildly aromatic, high acidity and floral, citrus and yellow fruit aromas. Fresh and light goes well with white meats, fish, shellfish, fresh cheeses and vegetables. Perfect for pairing with a typical dish from Lazio, pasta with cheese and pepper, so called “ cacio e pepe “.

If you are planning a trip to Italy, Montefiascone it’s only 100 Km from Rome and it’s reachable by train, bus or car via highway. Several cellars offer wine tasting and guided tours upon request.

For any further information contact me on

stefania.montalbano@carlozucchetti.it