Pardimiglio Est! Est!! Est !!! 2018

This zesty, citrus-packed Roman favorite comes from central Italy’s curiously named appellation Est! Est!! Est!!! di Montefiascone (more on the legendary origin of its name in just a moment).

Father-son winemaking team Roberto and Paolo Trappolini craft this single-estate wine from their 20-year-old hillside vines in the Lazio region, near picturesque Lake Bolsena. Established in the 1960s by Roberto’s grandfather, the family property is now dedicated to top-quality releases (like the one you’ll taste), with a strong focus on local grape varieties.

Here, you’ll find a deliciously authentic blend of Trebbiano and Malvasia (plus a dash of Rossetto). Crisp green apple aromas greet you – with a touch of almond and honey blossom. On the palate, enjoy fresh citrus and white peach with a mouthwatering mineral finish.

Winemaker Roberto Trappolini suggests pairing his Est! Est!! Est!!! with summer salads, chicken dishes, or fritto misto (lightly fried seafood). But it’s also delicious when sipped as a refreshing aperitif after a long day – which is how the appellation came to earn its unique name …

… Legend has it that in the year 1111, a wine-loving bishop traveling through Italy sent his servant Martino ahead to identify inns with particularly good wine. Each door he’d mark with the word ‘Est!’ (short for ‘vinum est bonum’ – ‘there’s good wine here’). So impressed was Martino with Montefiascone that the bishop arrived to see doors bearing scrawls of ‘Est! Est!! Est!!!’ He fell in love with the wine (and rumor has it, never left). From that day on, the name became official – exclamation points and all.

This classic, easy-drinking style is so popular among the Romans that very little is exported. Secure your share while it lasts.