Indigenous White Grapes of Etna DOC: Unveiling the Restrained and Racy Carricante and Catarratto

Wine Country News

December 16, 2023

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Indigenous White Grapes of Etna DOC: Unveiling the Restrained and Racy Carricante and Catarratto

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Key Takeaways

The Etna DOC region in Sicily is home to two indigenous white grape varieties, Carricante and Catarratto.
Carricante is a high-acid, mineral-driven grape that thrives in the volcanic soils of Etna.
Catarratto is the most widely planted grape in Sicily, known for its full-bodied, aromatic wines.
Both grapes are often blended together to create balanced, complex wines.
Despite their quality, these grapes remain underappreciated and underexplored in the global wine market.

Introduction: The Hidden Gems of Etna DOC

The Etna DOC, located on the slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily, is a unique wine region known for its volcanic soils and distinctive indigenous grape varieties. Among these, the white grapes Carricante and Catarratto stand out for their unique characteristics and the exceptional wines they produce. Despite their quality, these grapes remain relatively unknown in the global wine market, overshadowed by more famous Italian varieties like Pinot Grigio or Prosecco. This article aims to shed light on these hidden gems of Etna DOC and their potential for producing world-class wines.

The Racy Carricante

Carricante is a white grape variety indigenous to the Etna region. It is a high-acid, mineral-driven grape that thrives in the volcanic soils of Etna. The wines produced from Carricante are often described as having a restrained, elegant character with notes of citrus, green apple, and a distinctive minerality. According to Ian D’Agata, author of “Native Wine Grapes of Italy”, Carricante wines can age beautifully, developing complex honey and almond notes with time.

The Robust Catarratto

Catarratto, on the other hand, is the most widely planted grape in Sicily. It is known for producing full-bodied, aromatic wines with flavors of ripe yellow fruits, herbs, and a hint of almond. Despite its prevalence, Catarratto has often been used for bulk wine production in the past. However, in recent years, winemakers have started to recognize its potential for producing high-quality wines, especially when grown in the unique terroir of Etna.

The Perfect Blend

While both Carricante and Catarratto can produce excellent single-varietal wines, they are often blended together in Etna DOC. The high acidity and minerality of Carricante balance the fuller body and aromatic character of Catarratto, resulting in balanced, complex wines. According to a study published in the Journal of Wine Research, these blends can exhibit a wide range of flavors and aromas, from fresh citrus and floral notes to richer honey and nutty nuances.

FAQ Section

What is Etna DOC?

Etna DOC is a wine region located on the slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily, Italy. It is known for its volcanic soils and unique indigenous grape varieties.

What are the characteristics of Carricante?

Carricante is a high-acid, mineral-driven grape that produces restrained, elegant wines with notes of citrus, green apple, and a distinctive minerality.

What are the characteristics of Catarratto?

Catarratto produces full-bodied, aromatic wines with flavors of ripe yellow fruits, herbs, and a hint of almond.

Why are Carricante and Catarratto often blended together?

The high acidity and minerality of Carricante balance the fuller body and aromatic character of Catarratto, resulting in balanced, complex wines.

Are Carricante and Catarratto widely known in the global wine market?

Despite their quality, Carricante and Catarratto remain relatively unknown in the global wine market, overshadowed by more famous Italian varieties.

Conclusion: The Unexplored Potential of Etna’s Indigenous Grapes

The indigenous white grapes of Etna DOC, Carricante and Catarratto, offer a unique expression of Sicily’s volcanic terroir. Their distinctive characteristics and the exceptional wines they produce make them worthy of greater recognition in the global wine market. As winemakers continue to explore their potential, these hidden gems of Etna DOC are poised to take their place among the world’s top wine grapes.

Key Takeaways Revisited

Etna DOC’s indigenous white grapes, Carricante and Catarratto, produce distinctive, high-quality wines.
Carricante is a high-acid, mineral-driven grape that produces restrained, elegant wines.
Catarratto is a full-bodied, aromatic grape that is the most widely planted in Sicily.
These grapes are often blended together to create balanced, complex wines.
Despite their quality, Carricante and Catarratto remain underappreciated in the global wine market.

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