Carricante

The Carricante is a an indigenous Sicilian white grape variety, grown almost exclusively on the the slopes ofEtna, where it gives rise to mineral, elegant, long-lived white wines. It is the leading white grape variety of the appellation Etna Bianco DOC, often vinified as a single variety or with small percentages of Catarratto or Minnella.

The name “Carricante” is said to come from the dialect word “to load”, because of the vine's high productivity (“laden with bunches”). However, when grown with care and low yields, it gives vibrant, volcanic wines that deeply express the Etna terroir.

Origin and spread

• Region: Sicily

• Main area: Etna (eastern slope and south-east), in particular in the municipalities of Milo, Trecastagni, Santa Maria di Licodia

• Altitude: between 500 and 1.000 m above sea level

• Soils: volcanic, rich in ash, lava sand and minerals

• Climate: mountain-Mediterranean, with wide temperature swings

Characteristics of the grape variety

• Bunch: medium, compact

• Berry: medium-small, thick skin

• Ripening: late (even late October)

• High natural acidity

• Good drought resistance, susceptible to powdery mildew

Sensory profile of the wine

Colour:

• Pale straw yellow, with greenish highlights

Aromas:

• Citrus (lemon, citron), green apple, aromatic herbs

• White flowers (orange blossom, hawthorn)

• Notes saline, smoky, mineral

• With ageing: flint, petrol, almond, honey

Palate:

• Dry, fresh, savoury, with high acidity and excellent tension

• Body from medium to slender, very fine

• A persistent finish, with a citrus, saline finish

• Large ageing capacity, even beyond 10 years in the best versions

Main appellations

Food pairings

• Raw fish, tartare, carpaccio

• Shellfish, squid, grilled swordfish

• Fresh goat's cheeses, baked ricotta

• Herb pasta, lemon risotto, linguine alle vongole

• Grilled vegetables, dishes with wild fennel

Why choose a wine made from Carricante

• It is the the white that symbolises Etna, among the most distinctive in Italy
• It offers bright minerality, freshness and longevity
• It is perfect for anyone who loves whites vertical, food-friendly and saline
• Ideal with Mediterranean cooking, from the sea or plant-based