Synonyms: Carricanti, Catanese Bianco, Catarratto alla porta bianca di Sicilia, Catarratto amantidatu, Catarratto Mantellato, Catarratto Scalugnatu, Catarratto Scarugnatu, Nocera Bianca.
Wine Name: Carricante, Etna Bianco,
Background: Growing on Sicily’s Mt Etna volcanic slopes for over a thousand years, this very dry white wine is gaining popularity as a varietal wine in its own right, similar to Sauvignon Blanc or Assyrtiko. Carricante wine offers refreshing citrus aromas – anything from lemon and lime to grapefruit to orange, as well as herbal notes such as mint and aniseed. In blends, the grape must be 60 % minimum in the standard Etna Bianco Wine and 80 % in Etna Bianco Superiore. The most common grape it is blended with is Cattarrato, a variety with which Carricante is often confused.
Classic Brands and Sources: Benanti, Ciro Biondi, Donnafugata, Firriato, Tenuta delle Terre Nere, Tornatore,
Characteristics:
| Style #1 – Dry
Body – Medium Acidity – High Sweetness – Very dry Tannins – none |
Wine and food pairing guidelines:
pairs well with highly acidic foods (eg. sauces with citrus or vinegar, vinaigrettes, yogurt) and fresh herbs,
Foods and Entrees that usually pair:
seafood and shellfish with acidic sauces, Tzatziki, yogurt and sour cream dips, hummus, kebabs, chicken, pork and lamb with herbs,
Cheese Pairings:
Feta, goat’s cheese (fresh), Parmigiano-Reggiano, other acidic cheeses
See also Appetizers to pair with light, dry lemony white wines