Our Sicilian Etna DOC White Wine (Denominazione di Origine Controllata – controlled designation of origin) by Tenuta Papale shines in the glass with a bright straw-yellow color. On the nose, it reveals a wonderful bouquet of orange blossoms, citrus peel, and fragrant herbal notes of Mediterranean scrubland.
On the palate, it is consistent and expresses pronounced freshness, elegant flavor, and a remarkable finish. The optimal serving temperature is 8–10°C. It pairs perfectly with dishes such as raw fish, shellfish, and crustaceans. It also makes an excellent accompaniment to sushi, spaghetti with sea urchins, or a traditional fritto di paranza. It can also be enjoyed beautifully with red shrimp tartare from Mazara del Vallo, flavored with wild fennel and extra virgin olive oil. .

The Carricante grape variety: the elegance of Mount Etna in a single grape variety

Carricante is a white grape variety cultivated in Sicily. In an Etna DOC White Wine, a minimum of 60% Carricante is required in order to carry this designation. This white grape variety is characterized by its late ripening. When vinified as a single-varietal wine, Carricante produces a typical straw-yellow, fresh, and slightly zesty white wine—such as our Sicilian Etna DOC White Wine.

Origin and history

Carricante has its roots firmly in eastern Sicily, particularly in the area around Mount Etna. Here it thrives on mineral-rich soils formed by volcanic activity. The history of this grape variety goes back a long way, with records indicating that it was already cultivated in antiquity. Farmers valued Carricante’s adaptability to the volcanic environment and recognized its ability to produce wines of exceptional quality.

Characteristics of Carricante

Carricante is characterized by its unique personality, shaped by volcanic soils and a Mediterranean climate. The grapes ripen slowly, developing a remarkable acidity structure and a subtle range of aromas. The wines typically appear pale yellow with greenish reflections and reveal notes of citrus fruits, flowers, and mineral nuances on the nose.
What makes Carricante particularly special is its ability to reflect terroir. The volcanic soils give the wines a distinctive minerality and a saline freshness that sets them apart from other wines. At the same time, the grape variety retains a certain elegance and lightness, making our Sicilian white wine Etna Bianco DOC by Tenuta Papale an ideal companion for a variety of culinary experiences.