DOC status wines
The origins of viniculture on the island of Elba go way back into the past. We, however, shall only consider more recent years. During the 'forties and 'fifties, the Elban landscape was very different from today; vineyard terracing covered the hillsides up to a height of over 300 metres, as in the Marciana district.
Following the advent and the continual development of tourism, the number of vineyards has drastically fallen to the present-day 350 hectares, of which only 125 have officially registered DOC status. Most of the terracing is now overgrown with scrub and woodland or has been built on. Vine-growing is now limited to more specialized, flatter areas of the island which are easier to cultivate with modern agricultural systems.
The sector has been re-qualified mainly by a few well-organized
farm-estates whose aim is to enhance the quality of vine-growing
and wine production.
Most of the farm-estates have joined together to form a Co-operative
of wineries for the defence of Elba wine; the Co-operative was legally
founded under law no. 164/92.
The Co-operative represents almost 70% of the DOC grapes grown and vintaged on the island (6,991 quintals in 1998, or 4,518 hl) and many other wine-growers will undoubtedly join the Co-operative in the near future. Its first important step was to officially present the "Itinerario Elba delle Strade del Vino" (The Elba Wine Route) which has led to the creation of an itinerary for tourists interested in food and wine and the countryside in general. It is connected to a similar Tuscan itinerary set up by the Costa degli Etruschi -Wine Route Co-operative to which several of the Elban estates belong and with which closer collaboration is proposed for the future.
Below is a list of the main wines, together with their characteristics and suggested food combinations:
ELBA BIANCO
Made from at least 50% Trebbiano Toscano grapes (known locally as
Procanico), and up to a maximum of 50% Ansonica and Vermentino grapes,
either on their own or combined.
Other white grapes, up to a maximum of 20%.
This pale yellow to dull straw coloured wine has a delicately perfumed
vinous bouquet.
Minimum alcohol content: 11°
Suggested food combinations: hors d'oeuvres and first courses
of fish with white sauces, steamed fish, etc.
Temperature: Serve at 8-10° C.
ELBA ANSONICA
Made from white Ansonica grapes (at least 85%), with the addition
of other permitted grapes.
HA more or less intense straw colour with golden tones. Characteristic,
strong bouquet, dry to sweet flavour, harmonic.
Minimum alcohol content 11.5°
Suggested food combinations: Scampi, prawns, shellfish in general
with dry version.
Temperature: Serve at 10-12° C
ELBA ROSSO
Made from a blend of Sangiovese grapes (at least 60%) with other
permitted grapes (up to a maximum of 40% red grapes or 10% white).
This ruby red wine has a vinous, fruity nose, good body and a dry
flavour.
Minimum alcohol content: 11.5°
Suggested food combinations: First courses with red sauces, fish
soups, barbecued meat.
ELBA ROSSO RISERVA
This wine is made from the same grapes used to produce Elba Rosso,
but is aged for a minimum of 24 months, of which at least 12 months
in barrels and 6 in bottles. A bright ruby red tending towards garnet,
with an intense aroma of red berries and spices. Full dry harmonic
flavour.
Minimum alcohol content: 12.5°
Suggested food combinations: Roast red meat, game, mature cheeses.
ELBA ROSATO
Made from the same grapes used to produce Elba Rosso.
Rosé colour of varying intensity, vinous aroma with a fresh,
dry flavour.
Minimum alcohol content: 11°
Suggested food combinations: Fish hors d'oeuvres with sauce,
soups and pasta dishes with red sauces, vegetable omelettes and
soufflés.
ELBA ALEATICO
Made from 100% carefully selected Aleatico grapes, dried in the
open air.
This wine is an intense dark ruby red, with a strong aroma of red
berry conserves, suave to sweet taste, full-bodied and harmonic.
Minimum total alcohol content: 16°. Suggested food combinations:
fruit tarts, "schiaccia Briaca" (typical Elban sweetmeat);
cream-based and soft fruit desserts.
ELBA MOSCATO
Produced from 100% carefully selected Muscat grapes, dried in the
open air.
Intense straw yellow to amber in colour, strong aroma characteristic
of Muscat grapes, flavour from suave to sweet, soft and velvety.
Minimum total alcohol content: 16°;
Suggested food combinations: Fruit tarts. This wine is for savouring
and is a good accompaniment for baked confectionery and biscuits.
Temperature: Serve at 12-14° C.
Text by the Agenzia Turismo per l'Arcipelago Toscano
