Carricante | Grape variety
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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]
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]