The carricante is an ancient white grape variety that has always been grown on the slopes of the volcano, especially at higher altitudes, where, at times, the nerello mascalese struggles to complete its maturation. Its name derives from the Sicilian expression "u carricanti", which underlines the abundant production of its plants, capable of filling the grape carts. It is traditionally grown as a sapling, on soils of volcanic sands rich in minerals. Its terroir of choice is the splendid landscape of the eastern slope of Etna, which descends towards the sea from the top of the volcano. The cool climate and the remarkable temperature changes between day and night, contribute to give the grapes intense aromas and flavors. In the past, the carricante was often vinified as a blend with other grape varieties grown on Etna, such as catarratto, minnella bianca and inzolia. Today it is more and more often vinified in purity and constitutes the main base of Etna Bianco Doc.
