Elba is one of numerous DOCs in Tuscany, central Italy. The area was granted its status in 1967, and is located off the Tuscan coast in the middle of the Tyrrhenian Sea, on the Isle of Elba, and boasts one of the longest-established viticultural histories in the region. Viticulture was practiced as far back as the time of the Etruscans, using techniques later modified by the Romans. In ancient times it was described by the great philosopher Pliny the Elder as "insula vini ferax", or "the island that produces a lot of wine". It was also recorded as having been a particular favorite of Napolean's when he was exiled there; he remarked that "the inhabitants of Elba are strong and healthy because the wine of their island gives them strength and good health".
This area's reputation is mainly based on its dry white varietal from the Ansonica variety (a local name for Inzolia), which is also made into a passito version, and its flagship sweet red, the Elba Aleatico Passito recognized for its excellence when it received a DOCG in early 2010. This makes it a rarity, as very few dessert wines are honored with this classification. A rosso is also made, its leading role played by the traditional Tuscan red grape Sangiovese. The bianco combines mainly Trebbiano Toscano (locally known as Procanico) with Ansonica and Vermentino, and the rosato uses the same varieties as the red. Another white varietal is produced from Muscat and a red varietal from Aleatico.
