The city of Montefiascone is located in the Viterbo province in Lazio, Central Italy. Its name is derived from the word ‘Mons Faliscorum’ which means ‘Mountain of the Falisci’ (the Falisci were an ancient tribe of Italians).
Montefiascone’s most famous wine is the Est!, Est!!, Est!!! di Montefiascone and is produced from a combination of Trebbiano grapes, Malvasia grapes and Roscetto grapes. The wine comes out pale yellow, and is light and fruity on the palate.
Est!, Est!!, Est!!! di Montefiascone wine has a very interesting history. In the year 1100, there was an entourage travelling to Rome for the coronation of King Henry V. Amongst them was the nobleman and wine lover, Johan Defuk. Defuk sent his assistant, Martino, a day ahead of him – his task was to taste the wines in the inns on Defuk’s behalf so that when he arrived, he would have a choice of good quality wines to feast on.
If Martino found good wine, he’d mark the inn door with the word ‘Est!’ meaning ‘good wine is here!’ If he marked the door with ‘Est!, Est!!’, it meant the wine was excellent. When he reached the town of Montefiascone and tasted their wine, he wrote ‘Est!, Est!!, Est!!!’
Johan Defuk took the young man up on his triple recommendation and loved the wine so much that he stayed there for 3 days and upon his return from Rome, remained in Montefiascone for the rest of his days. His love of wine was great for it is said that he died from drinking too much of it. He is buried in the local church of San Flavanio, forever close to the wine that he loved. Every year, a barrel of wine is poured over his tomb in his honour.
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