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| Tuscan
Archipelago >> Typical
products |
 The
viticulture on the islands of the Tuscan archipelago
has very ancient origins, as in the whole Mediterranean basin.
The expansion of the economical activity connected with the
tourist sector has reduced the cultivated land for vineyards
during the last years, changing the landscape on Elba and Giglio.
On Elba the typical terraced vineyards that covered the hill
slopes have disappeared for the Mediterranean bush and the forests,
while the viticulture has moved to more plain areas, more adapted
for the modern methods. During the first years of the 20th century
the viticulture almost disappeared, but during the 20's a change
in the cultivation took place and is still in progress. Some
high-quality wine producers on Elba started an Association for
Producers in 1987 which began to reorganise and modernise the
sector. The Association has made some successful efforts such
as the new control guarantee instead of the old and useless
one from the 60's, the reintroduction of the muscat of Elba
among the vines in the name of the local wine tradition, the
proposal of new regulations against parasites. The Association
of the producers was transformed into a Consortium for the protection
of the wines of Elba only 2 years ago and represents more than
70% of the DOC grapes produced on the island. The Consortium
is working on its first important project; the road itinerary
of the Elban wine which will offer several services for all
visitors who prefer a wine and gastronomic, rural holiday. |
The
DOC Wines of Elba
Elba Ansonica
It is made of 85% white ansonica grapes together with other
green grapes authorised by the control board. The wine has an
intense hay yellow colour and the taste is dry and smooth. Minimum
alcoholic strength: 11,5%. Should be served at 10-12° and is
perfect for dishes with scampi, prawns and shell-fish.
 Elba
Bianco
It is made of at least 50% Tuscan Trebbiano grapes (the local
name for the this grape is Procanico), Ansonica and Vermentino
grapes for not more than 50%, and other authorised green grapes
for not more than 20%. The wine has a hay yellow colour, delicate
perfume and a dry and harmonious taste. The minimum alcoholic
strength is 11%. Served with hors d'oeuvre, rise or pasta with
fish and without tomato sauce and steamed fish.
Elba Rosso
At least 60% Sangiovese grapes, with not more than 40% authorised
blue grapes or with not more than 10% green grapes. It is a
rich, ruby-red wine, fruity perfume and dry taste. Perfect for
first courses with tomato and tomato-sauces, fish soup and barbecue
meat.
Elba Rosso Riserva
It is made with the same grapes as the Elba Rosso dell'Elba,
but then the wine ages for 24 months. The Rosso Riserva ages
for at least 12 months in wood barrels and 6 months in bottle.
The minimum alcoholic strength is 12,5% and you drink it to
roast red meat, wild meat and seasoned cheese.
Elba Aleatico
This sweet wine were produced already during the Greeks and
the Romans and is made with aleatic grapes which are chosen
and then left to dry. It has a ruby-red intense colour and has
a fruity perfume, sweet, full-bodied and harmonious taste. The
minimum alcoholic strength is 16% and we suggest you to drink
it with fruit pies, schiaccia briaca, cakes with creme and berries.
Elba Rosato
This wine is made with the same grapes as the Rosso dell'Elba,
and has a pink colour, fresh perfume and dry taste. The minimum
alcoholic strength is 11% and is a good choice for fish and
shell-fish starters, soups, omelettes and vegetable soufflé.
Elba Moscato
100% dried muscat grapes. The colour of the wine shifts between
intense hay yellow colour and amber. Nice, sweet taste, smooth
and velvet taste. The minimum alcoholic strength is 16% and
should be served at 10 to 12°. Drink it with pastries and cookies.
Elba Ansonica Passito
The wine is made with the Elba Ansonica grapes which have been
dries in the sun. The colour shifts between intense hay yellow
and amber, the perfume is intense and the taste is velvet to
sweet. The minimum alcohol graduation is 15% and we suggest
you to drink it with puff pastry or short pastry desserts, cookies
and shiaccia briaca. Serve it at 12 - 14°. |
The
Wines of Giglio and Capraia
The ansonaco wine is produced on Giglio around Scopeto, Poggio
delle Serre and Poggio del Verdello. The alcoholic strength
is around 15%. The wine is hard to find in the wine-shops but
you can find it in the wineries. A leech frond on the door indicates
still today where you can buy wine. The wine production on Capraia
is very low but you can find the white wine Rappa and the mirto,
a typical sweet liquor from the island. |
Photos from APT Tuscan Archipelago and Mediaweb srl.
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