Collection: Carricante

Carricante is a white grape variety with roots in Sicilia, but you will not find it spread across the entire island. It grows exclusively on the slopes of the Etna volcano in eastern Sicilia, among other places around the towns of Viagrande and Randazzo. Here it is cultivated at extremely high altitudes, between 950 and 1,050 metres above sea level, preferably on the eastern and southern slopes. It is a cool, volcanic microclimate, far from the warm lowland vineyards otherwise associated with Sicilia.

Altitude is precisely what matters for Carricante. The grape ripens well exactly where other varieties such as Nerello Mascalese struggle, and the result is grapes with very high acidity and low pH (around 2.9 to 3.0), driven mainly by malic acid. The wines therefore typically undergo malolactic fermentation to temper the acidity, often with ageing on the lees during the conversion itself. It is a grape that demands care in the vineyard, as it has low resistance to common vine diseases and is sensitive to sunburn.

In the glass, Carricante produces dry white wines characterised by pronounced acidity and mineral intensity. The grape makes up the majority (at least 60 to 80 percent) of DOC Etna Bianco and Etna Bianco Superiore, where it is often blended with local varieties such as Catarratto and Minnella. It can also appear as a pure varietal. One of its more remarkable qualities is its ageing potential: good bottles develop nicely over ten years or more in bottle.

At Copenhagen Wine our Carricante comes from Italy, more precisely from Sicilia and the slopes of Etna, where the grape belongs. If you are looking for a white wine with freshness, salty minerality and a clear sense of place, Carricante is a fine starting point. It suits both fresh seafood and quiet moments where you want to taste the volcano in the glass.