The grape variety Catarratto

Catarratto is a classic white grape variety primarily grown in Sicily, Italy, where it thrives thanks to the island's warm Mediterranean climate. It is one of Italy’s most widely planted native white grapes and is particularly associated with the provinces of Trapani, Palermo, and Agrigento. Catarratto wines generally exhibit a fresh and inviting aromatic profile, with delicate notes of citrus fruits such as lemon and grapefruit, accompanied by hints of green apple, white peach, and aromatic herbs. On the palate, Catarratto tends to be light to medium-bodied, offering vibrant acidity, subtle minerality, and a crisp, refreshing finish.

Winemakers produce Catarratto in various styles, ranging from dry, unoaked expressions that celebrate the grape’s clean fruit and lively acidity, to richer, more textural examples where lees ageing imparts a creamy mouthfeel and complexity. Catarratto also plays a key role in the production of traditional Sicilian Marsala and other fortified wines.

Ideal food pairings include seafood dishes such as grilled prawns or calamari, fresh salads, light pasta with lemon or seafood sauces, and young cheeses like ricotta. Its brightness equally complements vegetable antipasti and herb-infused Mediterranean recipes.