I begin by saying that there was a time when on the Island of Elba it was much safer to “cultivate” apartments than vineyards and I say this because with the birth of tourism, more and more flourishing every year, no one had the desire anymore to plant (let alone take care of) the vine, a lot of work for little profit. This is a big mistake, but fortunately it has been remedied. The sun and mild temperatures are two characteristics that have always distinguished the Island of Elba, and in the end, it is most of all that is needed to produce good wine.

From the 90s to the present day: the wine of the Island of Elba increases quality and production

With the birth of the Consortium for the Protection of the wine of Elba in the early 90s, things change sharply and the first successes in the oenological field arrive. The large quantity that was aspired in the past gives way to increasingly sought-after quality: professional agronomists and oenologists join forces and create truly exceptional wines, all this without affecting the native vineyards: the wine of the Island of Elba does not follow, has never followed, and (I hope) will never follow the fashions of the moment.

There are no more abandoned vineyards. One of the greatest pleasures is to see them beautiful in a row, cared for from all points of view and some, the most fortunate, surrounded by those ancient dry stone walls made over the centuries with art and patience by the Elbans, so much so that today they have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Winemakers are not only masters in the art of squeezing grapes, they have become true maintainers of the territory.

The native Wines of the Island of Elba

The history that binds Elba and wine is very long. Thinking that everything has already been discovered about it is very wrong. We certainly know that the first to understand the great potential of this island from the point of view of viticulture were the Greeks, immediately followed by the Romans. And for sure there is also that the production was so abundant that it was exported, and this we know thanks to the numerous finds of amphorae in the sea around Elba.

When we talk about “native” wine we mean a variety of grapevine that has never been transplanted from other areas. The close link with the territory in which it was planted gives it typical and well-defined organoleptic qualities. There are six indigenous vines that Elba can boast of: among the whites there are Procanico (Tuscan Trebbiano), Ansonica and Vermentino, while among the reds we find Sangioveto, Tintiglia (Alicante) and finally Aleatico, the one that leaves a wonderful taste in your mouth and makes you feel in heaven!

Those who drink only water have a secret to hide! (Charles Baudelaire)

It is said that Napoleon had noticed how full of health, happy and joyful the people of Elba were compared to the inhabitants of the other parts of the world where he had been, and it seems that he attributed all this to the wine they drank. I don’t see why not believe him. A study points out that wine is good for the heart. But I say, was there a need to do a study? It is well known that after a few glasses of good wine (preferably one from Elba) the heart bursts with happiness and consequently we are joyful with everyone!

At the reception of Villa Teresa in Porto Azzurro we will be able to give you advice on the best wineries in Elba.