Carricante | Grape variety
|
Carricante | Grape variety
Carricante is an old, autochthonous white grape variety from Sicily that, despite its long history, is rarely found today. It grows almost exclusively on the slopes of Mount Etna, one of the most active volcanoes in Europe, and is therefore closely associated with one of Italy's most fascinating wine-growing regions. The name of the grape variety is derived from the Italian carricare (“to load” or “to burden”) - a reference to its traditionally high yield, which is, however, specifically controlled in modern quality viticulture.
The wines from Carricante are characterized by lightness, fruitiness and a pronounced acidity structure. They have delicate citrus and herbal notes, often accompanied by a salty minerality, which makes them excellent food accompaniments - especially with fish dishes or aromatic fennel. Despite their rather moderate alcohol content, Carricante wines offer an exciting sensory experience and show that lightness is by no means synonymous with insignificance. - Gerardo [TS05/25]
|
Alta Mora · Etna Bianco DOC 2023Cusumano, Sicily
The Etna Bianco Alta Mora from Cusumano is an expressive white wine that impressively captures the essence of the Sicilian volcanic region. The Carricante grapes come from high-altitude, selected vineyards - including Contrada Praino near Milo and Verzella, Pietramarina and Arrigo near Castiglione di Sicilia. The wine is a bright deep yellow in the glass. The bouquet is elegant and complex with aromas of Granny Smith apple, red grapefruit, lemon blossom and a subtle herbal note reminiscent of fresh...
€ 17,50 = 23,33 €/L
|
|||||||
|
Contrada Taccione · Etna Bianco DOC 2023 (Bio)Planeta, Sicily
The Etna Bianco Contrada Taccione has a straw-yellow color with light green reflections. The nose initially reveals fresh apple notes, which are typical of wines from high altitudes, accompanied by easily recognizable mineral nuances reminiscent of mint and underlining the wine's volcanic...
€ 19,95 = 26,60 €/L
|
|||||||
|
Mofete Bianco · Etna Bianco DOC 2023Palmento Costanzo, Sicily
The Etna Bianco Mofete from Palmento Costanzo has a straw-yellow color of medium intensity and a fascinating aroma. Lively citrus notes unfold on the nose, accompanied by a fine mineral character reminiscent of the volcanic origin of the soil. Nuances of Mediterranean herbs and a hint of white peach lend additional depth and elegance to the...
€ 19,95 = 26,60 €/L
|
|||||||
|
|
Contrada Taccione · Etna Bianco DOC 2024 (Bio)Planeta, Sicily
The Etna Bianco Contrada Taccione has a straw-yellow color with light green reflections. The nose initially reveals fresh apple notes, which are typical of wines from high altitudes, accompanied by easily recognizable mineral nuances reminiscent of mint and underlining the wine's volcanic...
€ 20,95 = 27,93 €/L
|
|||||||
|
Sul Vulcano · Etna Bianco DOC 2022Donnafugata, Sicily
Donnafugata's Etna Bianco Sul Vulcano captures the unique essence of the volcano and the Sicilian landscape. Made from Carricante grapes, which thrive on the mineral-rich soils of Mount Etna, the wine is a brilliant straw yellow in the glass. The bouquet seduces with aromas of aromatic herbs, citrus fruits and subtle flint notes that perfectly reflect the origin of the...
€ 21,95 = 29,27 €/L
|
|||||||
|
Eruzione 1614 · Carricante DOC 2021 (Bio)Planeta, Sicily
A lively and multi-layered white wine that impressively expresses the influences of the Etna terroir. In the glass, it is a bright straw yellow with delicate green reflections. The bouquet reveals the characteristic apple notes of wines from high altitudes, accompanied by white flowers and a hint of wild honey. Fresh, mineral accents reminiscent of mint lend it additional depth and...
€ 23,95 = 31,93 €/L
|
|||||||
Carricante | Grape variety | Buy at Gerardo
The soul of Etna Bianco
Carricante is found in its most important form in Etna Bianco, a DOC white wine from the region around Mount Etna. Here it dominates the blend, often supported by autochthonous varieties such as Catarratto Bianco comune, Catarratto Bianco lucido or Minnella Bianca. Together, these grape varieties form a powerful alliance that conveys the taste of the rough, mineral soils of the volcanic slopes. The combination of high acidity, volcanic terroir and altitude - in some cases over 1,000 meters above sea level - gives these wines a special freshness, longevity and unmistakable character.
However, Carricante is also a demanding grape variety: it ripens late - sometimes not until October - and is susceptible to various diseases. Its natural tendency to produce high yields must be controlled through targeted vine training and yield reduction in order to produce quality rather than quantity. This is the only way to produce a wine from this powerful but sensitive variety that does justice to the potential of the unique Sicilian terroir.
In the hands of experienced winemakers such as Planeta, Donnafugata and Cusumano, Carricante shows what it is capable of: complex, mineral wines with depth and character that make the volcanic heart of Sicily tangible in every bottle. If you love Italian white wines and are looking for authentic, indigenous pleasure, you can't go past Carricante. - Gerardo [TS05/25]