Est! Est!! Est!!!, the story behind the Tuscia’s most famous wine

The name is strange even to Italians, let alone to visitors from abroad. Three exclamation marks in the name of a white wine aren’t a modern marketing gimmick: it’s a story that goes back to 1111.

Where the name comes from

A German bishop, Johannes Defuk, was travelling to Rome for the coronation of Henry V. He sent a servant ahead, said by legend to be named Martino, with instructions to mark with the word “Est” (from the Latin “est bona,” meaning the wine is good) any inn worth stopping at.

In Montefiascone, Martino found a wine so remarkable that he wrote “Est! Est!! Est!!!” on the door.

The bishop stopped there. He stayed in Montefiascone. According to tradition, he died there from drinking too much of it. He’s buried in the Church of San Flaviano.

The wine

Est! Est!! Est!!! di Montefiascone is a DOC white made from Trebbiano toscano, Trebbiano giallo, and Malvasia grapes. Light, with moderate acidity, and easy to drink throughout a meal.

It’s not a wine built for great structure, it’s a wine meant to be drunk cool, with good company, alongside lake fish or local cheeses. The best examples aren’t found in supermarkets but in the area’s own wineries.

Where to try it

Local wineries organise visits and tastings: it’s worth seeking out the family-run ones rather than the more tourist-oriented setups.

In Montefiascone’s historic centre, a few wine bars offer tastings paired with local products, a good way to spend an afternoon without going anywhere.

One detail not to miss

Bishop Defuk’s tomb sits in the Church of San Flaviano, just outside Montefiascone’s historic centre. The tombstone inscription, dating back to the 12th century, bears a message that’s rather surprising for a medieval epitaph. It’s worth the short detour.

Staying at AuraVista, the church is just a few minutes’ walk away.