The Carricante
Grape
A white grape variety native to Sicily, Italy, Carricante is primarily grown on the slopes of Mount Etna. It produces fresh, high-acid wines with flavors of citrus and green apple, often with a mineral undertone, reflecting the volcanic terroir of its region.
Carricante
Grape History
Carricante is a white wine grape variety native to the Mount Etna region in Sicily, Italy. This ancient grape variety has a long and storied history dating back centuries. The name "Carricante" is believed to have originated from the Italian word "caricare," meaning "to load" or "to bear," reflecting the grape's ability to produce high yields of fruit.
Historical records indicate that Carricante has been cultivated in Sicily for at least 1,000 years, making it one of the oldest grape varieties in the region. It is primarily grown on the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna, where the unique terroir and high altitude contribute to the grape's distinctive characteristics.
Carricante is known for its high acidity, minerality, and citrus notes, making it ideal for producing crisp, elegant white wines with aging potential. It is often blended with other local grape varieties such as Catarratto and Minella Bianca to create complex and well-balanced wines.
In terms of winemaking, Carricante is typically used to produce dry, still white wines, although some producers also use it to make sparkling and sweet wines. The grape's naturally high acidity and excellent structure make it a versatile option for winemakers looking to create age-worthy wines with great finesse and complexity.
In recent years, Carricante has gained international recognition for its unique flavor profile and ability to reflect the volcanic terroir of Mount Etna. As a result, there has been a growing interest in Carricante wines among wine enthusiasts and critics alike.
Carricante is primarily grown in the Mount Etna region in Sicily, where it thrives in the volcanic soils and cool climate. The vineyards located at higher elevations on the slopes of the volcano are especially well-suited for cultivating Carricante, as they provide optimal conditions for the grape to develop its characteristic flavors and aromas.
Looking ahead, the future of Carricante appears bright, with increasing demand for high-quality white wines with a sense of place and unique character. As winemakers continue to explore the full potential of this ancient grape variety, we can expect to see more innovative and exciting Carricante wines entering the market, solidifying its place as one of Sicily's most prized grape varieties.
Introduction
Hello, my name is Franklin Laurel - Welcome!
I started drinking wine in 1992 when I was in my early twenties and recently married. Like many other young Southern Californians, it started out with White Zinfandel. As we were a couple of young DINKs just beginning life together, and on a budget, our go-to-wine was Sutter Home White Zinfandel, which tasted a lot like wine coolers and probably cost at the time $2.49. If we really were going to splurge, we would step it up and buy Beringer White Zinfandel for $2.99. Those were the days....
After a little time, we decided to get fancy. We stepped up our game and bought some wonderful 2-Buck Chuck from Trader Joe's. The Charles Shaw (Trader Joe's Exclusive Label) wine, also known as 2-Buck-Chuck extended our pallet into Reds for only $1.99 a bottle. Over the years we continued to grow in our understanding of wine (finally ran into some good wine) and we slowly kept buying better and better bottles.
Our first wine club purchase was from Kenwood's Vineyards, in Kenwood, California located in Sonoma Valley, right next to the famous Napa Valley. I began to learn about tobacco leather, and earthiness, and lots of other strange terminology when tasting their signature Zinfandels (of the red variety). So that is how it all began.
Fast forward a couple decades, and we have been members of five different wine clubs, and now have a passion for California's red wines. My favorite by far is Cabernet Sauvignon, while my wife fancies a good Syrah, Malbec, or Merlot - but she also loves the smell of a wine barrel room, which is all about the notes of Cabernet Sauvignon.
As I come across great wine resources and useful information that I find in planning my own wine trips, I will share here for anyone that might stumble across my humble website.
Cheers! - Franklin Laurel