Best Metropolitan City of Catania Beverage Types
Belonging to Etna DOC, this white Italian wine is predominantly produced with Carricante grape variety, which is grown on the volcanic soils of Mount Etna. Lively and acidic Etna wine is typically straw yellow, with characteristic floral, citrus, and mineral notes.
Though it is rarely aged, oak maturation can help develop a full-bodied, creamier flavor. It can match a variety of dishes, but it works especially well with seafood, particularly in combination with pasta. Pair it with classic Sicilian pasta chî sàrdi or sarde a beccafico.
THE BEST Etna Bianco Wine Appellations
Amaranca is an award-winning orange-flavored amaro from Sicily that was inspired by an old family recipe. This artisanal liqueur is flavored with Sicilian wild orange (Citrus aurantium) and a herbal infusion made with various herbs and roots collected on the slopes of Mount Etna.
Amaranca is a citrusy liqueur with subtle bitterness. The flavor and aroma are herbal and fruity. Amaranca is best served as an aperitif or a digestif. It can be enjoyed neat (preferably well chilled) or on the rocks and should be garnished with orange zest or fresh mint.
The principal grape variety in this light to medium-bodied red Sicilian wine is Nerello Mascalese, which is grown on the volcanic soils of Mount Etna. Ruby red Rosso belongs to the Etna DOC, which also encompasses lively and acidic Bianco wines.
Fresh and energetic Etna Rosso typically displays notes and aromas of dark fruit and spices. They usually have balanced tannins and bright acidity, which makes them work well with various dishes. They naturally pair with dishes based on tomato sauce, but they can also match traditional Sicilian fish and meat specialities.
THE BEST Etna Rosso Wine Appellations
Nerello Mascalese is a late-ripening native Sicilian grape variety that is mostly cultivated around Mount Etna. One of the few grapes that survived the phylloxera plague—due to the high altitudes where it is grown—Nerello Mascalese is considered as one of the best Sicilian red grapes.
It is mostly used in the appellations of Etna and Faro. Although it can be used as a blending grape, it is also made into varietal wines. The grape produces medium-body and fruity red wines that have firm tannins and bright acidity. The wines may slightly vary in character, but they usually include aromas and flavors reminiscent of red berries and spices.
Carricante is a little-known ancient Sicilian grape that is mainly cultivated on the eastern slopes of Mount Etna. It is best known for its use in the Etna Bianco appellation, where it is used in varietals and blends (a minimum of 60%).
It is usually blended with Catarratto and Minella Bianca. Although Carricante is found in other parts of Sicily, it is considered that the best examples come from the volcanic soils around Mount Etna. The wines are pale yellow with green reflections.
They are aromatic, crisp, and refreshing, usually with citrus, floral, and fruity notes reminiscent of oranges, orange blossom, and apples.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria is a Sicilian appellation that is currently the only one with a DOCG status. Located in the south of Sicily, the appellation produces red wines with a blend of Nero d’Avola, which mainly provides weight and body, and Frappato—which contributes to the lighter and fruity character of the wine.
These ruby red wines will typically display fruity notes of cherries, red berries, pomegranate, and plums. Aged varieties may develop heavier notes of tobacco, chocolate, or leather. Because of their well-structured, soft, and velvety tannins, these wines are incredibly food-friendly, and they can match appetizers, red or white meat, game, pasta, as well as fish dishes.
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