Carricante

This ancient white grape variety has been grown in Sicily for more than 1000 years. It is known for it large yields, with the name carica meaning "load" in Italian. Wines made from this grape are also known for their high acidity. It is required in all of the denomination's white wines: 60 percent minimum in the standard Etna Bianco and 80 percent in Etna Bianco Superiore. On the whole, Carricante wines offer a broad range of refreshing citrus aromas – anything from lemon and lime to grapefruit to orange – alongside cooling herbal notes such as mint and aniseed. An underlying mineral, slatey character is also to be found in the finest examples.
It is often blended with Catarratto, which is also used to produce Marsala wines.