Elba

The "Elba" Protected Designation of Origin identifies the following types of wine: red, red Riserva, rosé, Sangiovese (also known as Sangioveto), white, white Spumante, Ansonica, Vermentino, Trebbiano (or Procanico), Ansonica Passito, Moscato Passito, white Passito, Vin Santo and Vin Santo occhio di pernice.

Grapes

The red, red Riserva, rosé and Vin Santo Occhio di Pernice wines are produced with at least 60% Sangiovese grapes, to which can be added those of other red grapes, suitable for cultivation in Tuscany, up to a maximum of 40% (for rosé and vin santo are also allowed those with white grapes, up to 20%). For the production of Bianco, Bianco spumante and Vin Santo, on the other hand, Trebbiano toscano (10-70%) and Ansonica and/or Vermentino (10-70%) are used, in competition with other white grapes. In Bianco passito a minimum quota of 70% is reserved for Moscato, Trebbiano Toscano, Vermentino and Ansonica (alone or in combination). Finally, all wines with an indication of the vine must be vinified from 85% of the grapes of that vine.

Physicochemical and Organoleptic properties

The production regulations set out precisely the organoleptic characteristics that identify the various types of Elba wine, with attention also to the peculiarities related to the grape variety to which they belong. Generally speaking, the warm climate in which the grapes ripen means that the wines obtained all have a rather high minimum total alcholic strength by volume (vol. 11-12.5% for still wines), which is combined with a modest acidity content. In addition, the mineral richness of the soil gives it a savoury and mineral taste, especially found in white wines.

Grape production area

The area of ​​production of the denomination coincides with the entire territory of the Island of “Elba”.

Specificity and historical notes

The Romans officially identified the “Elba” as a "fruitful island of wine" and indeed, until the mid-1900s, viticulture was the main activity of the inhabitants of the island.