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

"A cool nose with Burgundian finesse and pressure, fine reduction, mineral notes, salted lemon, light flowers, pear. Extremely fresh and gripping on the palate, elegant and spicy, with yellow-coloured spice, saline minerality and powerful, elegant freshness." Weinwisser

"Bright green-yellow in colour. Delicately smoky, stony on the nose, with subtle hints of salted lemon and some white flowers. Vibrant, salty on the palate, with noble citrus fruit." Falstaff

"This lively white wine offers a nice counterbalance to the creamy texture with aromatic accents of dried mint and grapefruit peel to the flavours of apricot, chopped almonds and poached pear. Salty finish." Wine Spectator

"The Etna Bianco 2022 is remarkably fresh and exudes an herb-accentuated bouquet, in which wet stone and a hint of smoke mingle with crushed almonds and pears. The palate is washed by a mineral wave of ripe fruit, accompanied by a hint of sour lime. The finish is crisp, refreshing and long, with a hint of delicious acidity that calls the drinker back to the glass." Vinous

"The nose is characterised by light, floral aromas of yellow apples, pears, lemons and white flowers, while warm, stony undertones provide balance. The palate is characterised by citrus fruits, with tree fruits not neglected, before a slightly nutty, salty finish supported by a gentle acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"Notes of ripe apples and pears with spices, camomile and a stony minerality. Medium-bodied, supple and polished with juicy acidity and delicious fruit. Complex and full of character." James Suckling

"From the districts of Verzella and Pietramarina, a pure Carricante grown between 600 and 750 metres above sea level and then aged for four months in steel tanks. Notes of lychee on the nose, with a hint of lemon thyme and white melon, with hints of lemon and wild mint. Salty-orange on the palate, with a fruity, citrusy finish." Luca Gardini

Beautiful, single-varietal white from Carricante from Planeta's Etna Dependence. A youthful, exuberant growth full of freshness, energy and minerality. Grown under exclusive conditions on volcanic soils and at an altitude of 870 metres, this wine is an exceptional pleasure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Warm light yellow; openly fruity, pronounced, appealing; sweet, full-fruity, ripe pear, concentrated, dense, very nice." (JLF) Merum

"The 2022 Etna Bianco Contrada Taccione is seductively fresh and displays an herbaceous bouquet of lime, peach and mint. It opens with a pleasant inner sweetness, while a burst of zesty acidity enlivens the tart orchard fruit. The 2022 rejuvenates crisply, with a hint of salinity and an inner smoky sensation." Vinous

"The nose is light, fresh and gentle, with coherent but compelling aromas of citrus, yellow apple and white flowers. The palate is lemon-driven, but a hint of salt brings out a honey-nut element and a lingering apple note." Wine Enthusiast

"A bright, fragrant, mineral white wine with delicate notes of broom and pine. With flavours of nectarine, persimmon, blanched almonds and ground ginger, it shows good linear power, yet is harmonious and approachable, unfolding on the palate through the creamy finish." Wine Spectator

"A multifaceted, polished white Etna showing restrained citrus notes, stony minerality, green apples, apricots and almonds. Medium-bodied and bone-dry with a silky texture, this has crisp, long, vibrant acidity and a citrusy floral aftertaste." James Suckling

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

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

"This has a restrained white-pepper and mineral character, lemon bush and pulp. On the palate, the acidity is firmly integrated with citrus, flint, concentrated fruit and a medium to full body. The finish is supersavory and tense. Drinkable now but will improve with age." 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

"A zippy white, with salty tang supporting flavors of crunchy pear, grated ginger, Meyer lemon peel, pastry cream and blanched almond." Wine Spectator

"A savoury nose that stands out from tar and stones, with spices and nuts overlaying tart citrus fruits such as bergamot and pithy lemon. On the palate, the juicy lemonade lingers and is complemented by a peppery finish. Coherent and substantial, with a taut acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2022 Etna Bianco is delicate and floral with a nuanced blend of nectarine and wet stones. It is soft and enveloping with a pretty inner sweetness up front and zesty acidity enlivening its core of citrusy apples. The finish is long, colouring but still fresh, with notes of sour lime and zesty spice." Vinous

"Aromas of exotic flowers, yellow plums and beautiful citrus peel. Mineral and racy, very crisp and firm, steely and citrus-accentuated. Bright acidity with a firm, steely structure." Decanter

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

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

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

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

"Fresh and clean on the nose, dense and broad but with such clarity and juiciness - really lovely pink grapefruit, lemon and apple with crushed stone minerality and a hint of spice around the edges. The wine comes across as approachable and friendly, almost buttery, giving it a slightly thick texture. Round and forward, lots of life in this wine with lovely juicy acidity that really lifts the expression. Great stuff, chilled with seafood!" Decanter

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

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

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 ageing period. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lots of honeysuckle and cut lemon with some crushed stone. Medium-bodied with a creamy texture and focused phenolics that add nice texture and length. Some flint on the finish." James Suckling

"This cru bottling from vines in Randazzo is youthfully creamy and offers little flavour other than that of the wood in which it has rested, along with stony patches of mango and peach. This Carricante is full, concentrated and highly acidic. It has enough earthy yellow fruit - such as pineapple, nectarine and yellow plum - to underpin its stony and acidic backbone; a vertical yet full style that will gain power and weight with age. Impressive." Decanter

"With a bouquet like chiseling through sheer limestone with all of the smoky and flinty nuances that come with it, the 2022 Etna Bianco Le Vigne Niche Calderara Sottana is impossible to ignore. It’s silky upon entry yet quickly builds with mineral tension. A savory, sweet interplay of citrus and spice offsets ripe nectarines and apricots. The 2022 leaves the palate reeling with youthful tension and watering for more as it finishes with outstanding freshness. This may not be the longest-lived Calderara Sottana Bianco, yet there’s no rush. It’s a total charmer." 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

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

"This super white is really focused, featuring a linear line of salty fruit with apple and lime undertones. Full but tight, it has great length and presence." 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

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

"The phenolic tension and focus spreads on and on across the integrated palate. Medium- to full-bodied, this is flavorful with sliced apples and light pie-crust. Great finish." James Suckling

Benanti's latest white wine comes 100% from the small vineyard (Contrada) Cavaliere. The vineyards in the municipality of Santa Maria di Licodìa develop at a considerable altitude (approx. 900 metres above sea level) with favourable conditions for all indigenous varieties, both red and white berries, which are cultivated here with Guyot pruning. Here, both the Nerello and the Carricante produce wines with a well-defined structure and typical varietal flavours. The vines are around 50 years old and grow on sandy, volcanic soil that is rich in minerals. The climate is alpine, with little rainfall and provides the vines with a high degree of ventilation and very large temperature differences between day and night.

Straw yellow in colour with bright green reflections. The bouquet is intense, rich, generous and delicately fruity with hints of orange blossom and ripe apple. The palate is dry, mineral, harmonious with a pleasant acidity, aromatic pressure and an interesting aftertaste of aniseed and almonds. SUPERIORE.DE

"A little more mellow and riper than the Etna Bianco with its yellow-fruity character. In the mouth with a melting character that is beautifully balanced and wonderfully cushioned by the saline acidity, which also gives the wine freshness and piquancy." Weinwisser

"Intense and vertical, it's full of fresh citrus and herbs, with some leesy creaminess and a finish of lemon posset and pear. Delicious." Decanter

"This bright, open-knit white crackles with acidity and shows savoury notes of white pepper and grapefruit peel, as well as hints of peach skin, smoke, preserved lemon and lentils. Salty finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2022 Etna Bianco Contrada Cavaliere is youthfully shy with a delicately perfumed blend of wild flowers, white smoke and green apples with gingery notes. The wine is pure, elegant and refined, with a salty minerality on the attack and crunchy fruit that gives an equally crisp feel towards the finish. The 2022 finishes colourful and long with youthful tension, a hint of salinity and a feeling of liquid stone." Vinous

"This wine has the richness of the 2021 vintage, but is not heavy or ponderous. It shows intensity of flavour with cake crust, light caramel and dried fruit. Full-bodied, with a phenolic tension and acidity that give it its shape. Drink it now." James Suckling