CARRICANTE
Volcanic Elegance From Sicily’s Slopes
Carricante is a white grape native to Sicily, best known for its crisp acidity and mineral depth, thanks to its roots on the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna. This lesser-known varietal is gaining international attention for its purity, tension, and ability to express terroir.
Key Characteristics
Carricante offers high acidity, subtle fruit, and distinct minerality that reflects its volcanic origins.
Style
White
Body
Light to medium
Acidity
High
Primary Grapes
Carricante
Typical Flavors
Lemon zest, green apple, saline, herbs, crushed rocks
Origin & History
Indigenous to eastern Sicily, Carricante has been cultivated for centuries, particularly on the higher elevations of Mount Etna. Its name comes from “caricare” (to load), referencing the grape’s productivity. Traditionally used in blends, it is now celebrated in its own right in Etna Bianco wines.
How It’s Made
Carricante is often fermented in stainless steel to retain freshness, though some producers experiment with oak or extended lees contact to add texture. Harvest typically occurs late to balance acidity with ripeness.
Notable Regions
This ancient grape is found almost exclusively in Sicily, thriving in volcanic soils.
Sicily
Etna DOC
The spiritual and qualitative home of Carricante, especially in Etna Bianco and Etna Bianco Superiore.
Other Sicilian Hillsides
Less commonly, it’s grown in other parts of eastern Sicily or blended in IGT wines.
Food Pairings
Carricante’s brightness and minerality pair beautifully with seafood, citrus, and herbs.
Appetizers
Caponata, marinated anchovies, lemon-dressed salads
Seafood
Grilled swordfish, branzino, shrimp with garlic and lemon
Cheeses
Ricotta salata, goat cheese, pecorino
Vegetables
Zucchini fritters, fennel, grilled eggplant
How to Serve It
Glassware
White wine glass to enhance aroma and minerality
Temperature
45–50°F (7–10°C)
Storage
Store upright, in a cool, dark place
Fun Fact
Carricante vines grow at some of the highest elevations in Europe — up to 1,000 meters (3,280 ft) — on Mount Etna’s slopes, creating wines with remarkable tension and freshness.
Try This If You Like
Assyrtiko
Wines with zippy acidity and a saline edge
Recommended Producers
These houses exemplify the diversity and craftsmanship of Etna Bianco, capturing the purity, tension, and volcanic terroir of Sicily’s iconic mountain wines.
Benanti
A pioneering Etna estate known for crisp, age-worthy whites that express the elegance and minerality of high-altitude Carricante.
Pietradolce
A standout on Etna’s northern slopes, crafting vibrant, terroir-driven whites with energy, precision, and distinctive volcanic character.
Recommended Pours
Benanti - Etna Bianco 2022 — A crisp and mineral-driven Sicilian white with notes of citrus, white peach, and volcanic salinity.
Pietradolce - Etna Bianco 2022 — A vibrant and elegant Carricante with lemon zest, wild herbs, and a stony, energetic finish.