Carricante: A Star Among Italy’s White Varieties
Carricante is one of Italy’s great white grape varieties—provided it is planted in the right place and cared for by the right hands. In this case, the hands belong to Rori Parasiliti, who knows exactly what he is doing; the right place is Mount Etna, specifically the Pirao vineyard, situated at an altitude of 1000 meters. At such heights, few grape varieties thrive, but Carricante breathes in the Mediterranean-infused mountain air deeply and produces its finest expressions under these conditions.
Key to this is the significant temperature variation, which can plummet from 30°C during the day to below 10°C in just a few hours. This slow ripening process preserves high acidity and keeps the grape skins compact and firm. According to Rori, the grape skins provide the resulting wines with aroma, depth, structure, and character, which is why he keeps the must in contact with the skins for three days after harvest. The Carricante is then aged without any intervention in stainless steel tanks. It is neither filtered nor heavily sulfured.
Style
Finely textured, dense, and substantial. Aromas and flavors of chamomile, mandarins, and almonds. Structured and juicy, it exudes immense energy and tension. The vibrant acidity lends a tautness. It combines power, complexity, and drinkability, with a crystal-clear, mineral finish.
Technical Sheet
Grape Varieties: Carricante (95%), Grecanico (5%)
Vineyard: Pirao - volcanic rock
Harvest: By hand
Fermentation: Spontaneous | wild yeasts, 3 days skin contact
Aging: In stainless steel tanks
Filtration: None
SO₂: < 10mg/l
Alcohol Content: 12% vol.
Closure: Natural cork
Serving Temperature: 10-12°C
Optimal Drinking Window: From now until 2029
Bottle Size: 0.75 l
All winemakers listed at Vinonudo work in their vineyards with compost, organic fertilizers, and natural preparations, avoiding the use of herbicides, pesticides, and synthetic fertilizers.
