Questo vino

Vineyard and terroir

The Carricante is grown in the Montelaguardia vineyard at Castiglione di Sicilia, in the heart of Etna wine country. The vineyard lies between 690 and 720 metres above sea level on black volcanic sand. Its mineral-rich soil contains abundant large stones and is enclosed by woodland and more recent lava flows.

The vines are trained on espalier with Guyot pruning at a density of 5,050 plants per hectare. The stated yield is 88 quintals per hectare. Cultivation follows organic-farming principles and SOStain® protocols. Wild ground cover is maintained to increase organic matter and support soil microfauna. Vineyard protection uses small quantities of sulphur and copper, beneficial insects, mating disruption and natural treatments including zeolite, kaolin and plant extracts. The wine is certified organic and SOStain® 10.1 B.

Grapes

100% Carricante.

Vinification

Harvest takes place from 23 to 28 September. The grapes are picked manually into 15–17 kg crates, immediately refrigerated at 6–8 °C overnight and selected by hand on a vibrating table the following day. After light destemming and gentle pressing, the must settles for three to four days. Fermentation proceeds at approximately 15 °C, with 70% of the volume in stainless-steel tanks and 30% in 25 and 50 hL Nevers oak tonneaux.

Ageing

The wine remains in the same steel and oak vessels until March, with agitation of the fine lees. The first bottling of the 2024 vintage took place in July 2025.

Technical data

The 2024 vintage has 13% alcohol by volume, total acidity of 5.7 g/L and a pH of 3.18. Available formats are 750 mL and 1.5 L. The 750 mL bottle weighs 400 g and is closed with either a single-piece natural cork or DIAM® closure. Expected ageing capacity is five to seven years.

Tasting profile

White acacia flowers, fresh white almonds and mountain peaches lead the aroma, followed by a suggestion of white hazelnut cream. The oak remains restrained and integrated with the wine's volcanic character. The palate is harmonious and rich, showing yellow plum and prickly-pear notes before a balanced, acidity-driven finish.

Serving and pairing

Pair with raw fish accompanied by fresh fruit, fish-based first courses or soft cheeses. It can also be served as an aperitif.

Vintage notes

The 2024 growing season brought a mild winter and spring, followed by light, evenly distributed rainfall that supported the vines through harvest. Production was 15% above the average.