Carricante

Here is one of the most beautiful interpretations of the white Carricante grape variety, matured for six months on the fine lees. A fresh, dynamic wine from Etna with a multi-faceted aroma of citrus, white peach, yeast, flint and smoke. Cool grapefruit and passion fruit, taut acidity and impressive mineral notes on the dry finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow with golden reflections. Orange blossom, marzipan, ripe apple and delicate wood on the nose, followed by brioche notes. Soft on the palate with a slight saltiness, very drinkable and well-balanced. Retronasal, some dried apricot. Beautiful soloist, well done!" Falstaff

Medium straw yellow with silver reflections. Nuances of light peach, yellow pear and salted lemon on the nose, with a background of lime blossom. Great freshness, juiciness and good length on the palate, with a mineral final. SUPERIORE.DE

"As the 2023 Etna Bianco Contrade Nuove opens in the glass, a whiff of sweet spice gives way to freshly sliced yellow apples and pears. This flows across the palate like liquid stone, mixing ripe orchard fruits and melon tones across a stream of cooling acidity. It leaves a coating of tactile minerality and shavings of lime while finishing with staining length and a cheek-puckering citrus twang. The 2023 turns the pleasure dials to the max." Vinous

The eruption of 1614 is legendary in the history of Etna, as it lasted ten years, making it the longest recorded eruption of the active volcano to date. A very impressive and fitting name for Planeta's Etna series of equally impressive wines.

Carricante from Planeta's Etna vineyard is an exceptional wine full of freshness, energy and minerality. This noble grape variety thrives in exclusive conditions, on volcanic soils and at altitudes of 870 metres. A wonderfully complex pleasure that is only ever released for sale two years after the harvest. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light golden yellow colour. Flint, graphite, fresh green apple, sage, lavender on the nose, emphasised mineral components in the background. Full-bodied on the palate, white honey, orange, white flowers, mineral and salty on the finish." Falstaff

"The 2021 Carricante Eruzione 1614 rises from the glass with a burst of crushed stones, sage and dried apricots. It exudes a savoury tension as crunchy fruit piles up in cascades, enhanced by a hint of sour citrus. The finish is long and colourful, yet incredibly fresh, leaving a salty sensation that leaves the mouth wanting more." Vinous

"A well-rounded, balanced and seductive Carricante. Fresh lemons, mild spices and some dried apples on the nose. Medium-bodied on the palate with a fresh lemon character. Juicy and refreshing with a delicious, flavourful finish." James Suckling

Donnafugata's impressive declaration of love to Etna, currently the hottest wine hotspot, began with the Sul Vulcano line. Carricante is one of the most exciting grape varieties in southern Italy, capable of complexity and terroir-driven expression in the right soils. The vines for Donnafugata's only white wine from Etna grow on volcanic soils rich in minerals at an altitude of 700-750 metres. The wine is fermented in steel tanks before maturing partly in concrete tanks and partly in second and third choice barriques for 10 months and then a further nine months in the bottle.

Straw yellow with golden reflections. Bouquet of white flowers and notes of wild herbs and citrus. On the palate, it is full, fresh and flavoursome and finishes with impressive freshness, elegance and an exciting mineral vein. SUPERIORE.DE

"The nose reveals chiselled notes of pink grapefruit, herbs and citrus blossom. In the mouth, it is tightly woven, with a very fine woody touch, melting contours, mineral and salty." Weinwisser

"Straw yellow in colour. Attractive nose of fresh lemon peel, but still somewhat restrained. Mineral lemon fruit with salty hints on the finish. Can mature." Jancis Robinson

"A well-dried white wine with lush vanilla, baking spice and lime blossom accents to the flavours of glazed apple and tangerine fruit. The mouthwatering acidity is well integrated, providing definition and carrying the rich flavours through the lingering, slightly salty finish." Wine Spectator

"The Etna Bianco Sul Vulcano 2021 is intense, with a blend of flint, sweet mint, apricot and a hint of sage. It is soft and round, with a lively acidity and mineral fruit that pours over the palate and takes on a hint of sour citrus towards the end. The Sul Vulcano is a fantastic option for an entry-level Etna Bianco, and having tasted the 2016 in parallel, I can confirm that it will age beautifully." Vinous

"Juicy fruit character, delicate white flowers, ripe melon and pineapple, elegant and mineral with generous fruit." Decanter

"A gourmet wine with structure. Intense and smoky, this shows jasmine, green apples and yellow peaches. The palate is vibrant, electric and fresh with an almost tannic texture. Zesty and mineral, it’s just a bit leaner on the finish." James Suckling

Beautiful white from Carricante that captures the energy of Etna and reflects its essence. Sparkling lemon yellow with a drop of gold. Yellow stone fruit, mint, flowers and spice aromas on the nose. Complex flavour, full fruit and subtle minerality on the palate. Racy, delicately flavoured and sophisticated. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, light golden yellow colour. Elegant and subtly fragrant bouquet, notes of juicy peach, honeydew melon, lime blossom, some white pepper. Finesse on the palate, silky texture, juicy fruit, invigorating acidity, very harmonious." Falstaff

"Tantalising notes of chamomile and cumin draw you into the glass of this bright and balanced Etna Bianco. Flavours of poached apricot, grainy pear, lemon thyme and beeswax are rounded off by a well-cut acidity that leaves a delicious impression on the mineral finish." Wine Spectator

"A burst of crushed stones, green apples with ginger, fennel and dried flowers creates an invigorating bouquet as the 2023 Etna Bianco explodes from the glass. It is silky and enveloping, with a tart hint of green melon and salty, mineral tones that create tension in the cheeks. The 2023 rejuvenates wickedly fresh yet strong. The concentration of sour citrus fruit remains, while hints of kiwi and fresh mint slowly recede." Vinous

"The flavours of sliced apples, flowers and flint come through clearly here. Medium to full-bodied with a lovely character and vibrancy, this is concentrated and balanced, showing plenty of fruit and a bright finish." James Suckling

Benantis Etna Bianco from 100% Carricante is a delicately perfumed expression of Carricante with gentle mineral notes, white flowers and light flavours of peach or nectarine. The true protagonist, however, are the carefully dosed volcanic tones of ash and smoke. The bouquet will become even more refined with a year or more of ageing in the bottle. Fresh and round on the palate, great acidity and a saline vein, with a subtle sweetness on the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"This lean, minerally white is well cut and refreshing, with flavours of plump white cherry, lemon oil, spun honey and chamomile spreading across the palate, underscored by lingering notes of mineral smoke and salt on the savoury finish." Wine Spectator

"Expressive and robust, showing powerful elegance and great textural appeal, this is a Carricante that balances classicism and modernity. Green apple, quince, and white grapefruit at the core with an elegant top layer of lemon balm, white roses and linden. Very long on the palate with focus and a delicious chalky grip that makes it linger on the palate. Lingering notes of grapefruit pith, preserved lemon and pear peel." Decanter

Etna Bianco is smoky in the glass and excites the senses with a burst of crushed rock and raw almonds before fading into a citrus-influenced peach. It is pleasantly soft and enveloping, with weighty textures supported by lively acidity. Mineral fruits and sweet spices meet on the palate. Finishes remarkably fresh yet grippy and long, leaving the mouth wanting more. The complexity of this wine is unrivalled for an entry-level Etna Bianco. SUPERIORE.DE

"Honey blossom, candied ginger, hints of fennel and crushed green apples form a savoury and inviting bouquet when the 2023 Etna Bianco opens in the glass. Ripe fruit meets a core of salty minerals and savoury spices, while a stimulating wave of acidity completely redefines the palate. The 2023 finishes perfumed and long, leaving a pleasantly tart hint of citrus that tickles the cheeks." Vinous

"Mouthwatering and minerally, this light- to medium-bodied white laces sleek acidity and a tangy streak of salinity with chopped almond and apricot flavors, showing accents of Meyer lemon peel, sage and gooseberry." Wine Spectator

"This wine has a restrained character of white pepper and minerals, lemon shrub and fruit pulp. On the palate, the acidity is well integrated with citrus, flint, concentrated fruit and a medium to full body. The finish is super savoury and exciting. Drinkable now, but will get even better with age." James Suckling

Scent of lemon, white flowers and crushed rock. A desire for more. This southern drop from Etna does not disappoint on the palate either. Lively acidity and a long mineral finish make this white wine a perfect accompaniment to food. Structure, elegance and pure white class from Etna. SUPERIORE.DE

"This has a purity and focus with dried-apple and pear character as well as stone. Some flint undertones. Medium-bodied, it has tension and a solid core of fruit. Tight and precise. Lovely finish." James Suckling

Planetas Metodo Classico is an elegant brut and single-varietal Carricante. A stimulating bouquet of yeast notes, freshly baked bread with a sesame crust and fresh, light-coloured fruit, with wonderful clarity on the palate and a fine hint of butter, well-structured and long. The perfect companion for brunch or a midnight buffet. SUPERIORE.DE

"Straw yellow with a delicate olive green colour. Quiet nose, stony, some lemon and bread crust. Fine perlage on the palate, elegant finish and beautiful salinity, vertical and precise." Falstaff

The Carjcanti from our own vineyards in Chiaramonte Gulfi deserves a round of applause. Yellow in colour with green reflections. The bouquet is reminiscent of apple, pineapple, brown butter and cinnamon, rounded off by flint and smoke. Taut on the palate with the mineral acidity typical of Carricante, followed by orchard fruits and herbal notes. Very fresh, aromatic and long with exciting ageing potential. A wonderful Carricante from south-east Sicily. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 Carjcanti is wildly fresh, wafting up with mineral-drenched orchard fruit and hints of sage and fennel. It washes across the palate with notes of ripe yellow apple and pear, guided by juicy acidity as a mineral staining saturates toward the close. This tapers off long, classically dry and youthfully tense with notions of apricot that gradually fade." Vinous

The four wines resulting from the collaboration between Dolce & Gabbana and Donnafugata show attention to detail and unconditional love for Sicily. They are the perfect expression of two top companies "Made in Italy". They represent the aesthetic fusion of craftsmanship, creativity and Sicilian passion. Together, they have created a unique collection of wines and packaging that emotionally capture Sicilian culture and lifestyle and express a clear commitment to the beauty and tradition of Sicily.

Straw yellow in colour with golden reflections. Refined aromas of citrus fruit and lemon peel, rounded off by fruity hints of yellow apple and Mediterranean herbs. Very soft on the palate with a fascinating elegance, a fine volcanic minerality becomes apparent as the wine progresses. Great ageing potential! SUPERIORE.DE

Unusual, but very interesting - a single-varietal Carricante grappa. Crystal clear, wonderful aroma of grapes, well-structured body and delicate mineral hints. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium expressive on the nose, yet inviting and elegant, dark fruit. Round on the palate with slight sweetness, gentle mouthfeel with good length." Falstaff

Proud single-vineyard Sicilian in a small edition made from 100% Carricante. Fine bouquet of citrus fruits and apricots. Wonderfully juicy fruit on the palate paired with good structure, balanced acidity, fine minerality and appealing length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Shows beautiful fruit on the nose with young stone fruit, light peach, sage, sweet herbs and mineral notes. In the mouth with a soft, almost silky texture, citrus fruit and herbs, rather round with balanced acidity." Weinwisser

"The 2022 Etna Bianco Calderara opens slowly with a nuanced blend of young peaches, grated sage, stone dust and sweet spices, keeping the glass constantly moving. The medium body is silky smooth, revealing mineral fruit lifted by a hint of sour citrus. The 2022 finishes long and youthfully tense. A tart finish of lime and savoury herbs rounds off the whole." Vinous

"A delicious Etna Bianco full of succulent and zesty citrus fruits, with a saline core. Notes of orange and lemon peel, apple and white flowers, plus a touch of wood." Decanter

This single-vineyard Carricante comes from the small Montalto vineyard on the southern slope of Etna at an altitude of around 950 metres. It is the most balanced and at the same time most exciting of all Etna Bianco from Terre Nere in terms of its overall impression and flavour; the whole Etna package is present here in exactly the right dose: Minerality, salinity, fruitiness and a perfect hint of orange peel and flint on the nose. On the palate, it is vibrant and fine, with an almost Burgundian dimension, full of finesse and length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lovely dried apple and lemon with some mineral and stone character both on the nose and palate. It also shows some pumice. Medium body. Crisp and multi-layered." James Suckling

"It is soft, fleshy and peachy in flavour, yet with excellent acidity. Notes of stone and pineapple add vibrancy to this delicious, flavoursome white wine with no alcohol content." Decanter

"Spicy and full of tension, the 2022 Etna Bianco Le Vigne Niche Montalto bursts from the glass with a blend of lemon zest, minty herbs, young peaches and crushed rocks. This opens with a pretty inner sweetness and crisp minerality, rushing the palate with ripe orchard fruits elevated by candied citrus. The Montalto finishes with fantastic length and potency, lightly structured and tactile. This gorgeous Etna Bianco is drinking beautifully today yet with the balance to promote medium-term cellaring." Vinous

Davide Rosso's Etna Bianco from Contrada Montedolce is an energetic, fresh white that impressively emphasises its volcanic character with its mineral salinity. The bouquet begins elegantly with Sicilian flavours of orange blossom and sweet almonds, then opens up with fresh lemon, crushed apples and a hint of wet stone. Its medium concentration and crisp freshness will serve it well as it continues to develop in the bottle. SUPERIORE.DE

"Wildly fresh and focused, the 2023 Etna Bianco wafts up with a lovely blend of peach sorbet, mint leaf and white smoke. This is both juicy and refined, with crisp orchard fruits and hints of candied citrus that enliven the palate. Crisp minerality combines with lime and nectarine; finishes long and leaves the mouth watering." Vinous

Noblesse is the very first and still extremely rare bottle-fermented sparkling wine made from Carricante, the noble indigenous white grape of the Etna volcano. The grapes come from 20-60 year old vines that are planted both in the traditional bush vine (albarello) and in rows using the Guyot training system. Pale straw yellow in colour with light greenish reflections. Very delicate and persistent perlage, fine foam. Intense on the nose, with a delicate aroma of orange and lemon blossom and ripe apple. Wonderfully fresh and dry on the palate, elegant, with pleasant acidity and a lovely aromatic, delicately yeasty finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Complex aroma profile of dried apple, pear, camomile, exotic fruits and ash. Full of grace on the palate, dry, fruity and intense, a delicate acidity and fine minerality lend freshness. A very elegant and attractive white wine from Etna with good potential and a never-ending experience factor: every sip opens up new facets of this completely enchanting wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2023 has a more tropical feel and offers flavours of papaya, banana, apricot and lychee, followed by a sweetly ripe, mineral core filled with juicy yellow fruit. Juiciness and freshness in abundance." Decanter

"Vibrant flavours of nectarines, lemons, white peaches and honeysuckle, leading to a medium body with delicious fruit and a lively finish. Shows a lot of energy." James Suckling

This Carricante from vines up to 100 years old from a small single vineyard gives no indication of its varietal and terroir origins. Fine fruity aroma, mineral and with a fresh sea breeze. Powerful, well-structured, a fine woody note, balanced and long flavour. SUPERIORE.DE

"This has beautiful freshness and honey character with sliced apples and pears as well as lemons and honey. Medium- to full-bodied, it has depth of fruit, minerals and a long finish with cement undertones." James Suckling

The area around the small town of Milo is the only vineyard site on Etna where an Etna Bianco is allowed to be bottled as Superiore - and for good reason: only Carricante may be planted on the steep vineyard, which consists of dozens of small terraces. The vines are trained like a small tree on poles made of chestnut wood. The eastern exposure and the proximity of the sea allow the grapes to ripen late, resulting in very consistent acidity levels and a white wine with an aromatic finesse and freshness that is unrivalled even on Etna.

This historic site, called Milo, with its old vines, is virtually predestined for the Etna Bianco Superiore, which Terre Nere is now bringing to market for the first time as a single-vineyard Bianco "Salice". More floral and citrus-scented on the nose than the normal Carricante, the Superiore also has a little more body, acidity, depth and finesse. The elegant acidity makes it vibrantly fresh and long and ensures an exciting drinking flow and good ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"A delicious white with a well-cut, fine acidity and a lovely palette of notes of mirabelle plums, pink grapefruit pith, raw almonds and chamomile on the mineral, savoury finish." Wine Spectator

"This super white wine is very focused, with a linear line of savoury fruit and undertones of apples and limes. Full but dense, it has great length and presence." James Suckling

Fantastic Etna crescendo from vines up to 60 years old from a small single vineyard with wonderfully balanced iodine and citrus flavours. Softly flowing on the palate, profound in flavour, the fine acidity, inner sweetness and delicate woody notes are well integrated into the overall concept designed for a long maturation period. SUPERIORE.DE

"This vibrant, harmonious white deftly integrates a crackling line of chiseled acidity while keeping its austerity nicely in check. Boasts a finely meshed range of persimmon, pomelo, mountain herb and mineral notes that expand on the racy, lightly spiced finish." Wine Spectator

"The phenolic tension and focus continues to spread across the integrated palate. Medium to full-bodied, flavourful with apple slices and light pie crust. Great finish." James Suckling