Catarratto (Italy)

Catarratto is the most planted grape in Sicilia.

Typical Flavors


Lemon
Lemon
Flowers
Flowers
Orange Zest
Orange Zest
Grapefruit
Grapefruit

Passion Fruit
Passion Fruit
Herbs
Herbs
Spices
Spices
Salt
Salt

Citrus and Flowers (Orange Zest and Citrus Blossoms), Grapefruit and Passion Fruit are typical Catarratto aromas.

With notes of Herbs, Sweet Spices, and a nice Salinity and a slightly bitter Mineral finish.

Profile

Catarratto wines are typically fresh with a medium structure, and a mild acidity:

SUGARDry
BODYMedium
FRUITMedium
ACIDITYMedium
Serving temperature:
10-12°C (50-54°F)

Food Pairing


Vegetables
Vegetables
Salads
Salads
Pasta
Pasta
Risotto
Rice

Seafood
Seafood
Fish
Tuna
Sushi
Sushi
Chicken
Chicken

Catarratto is very versatile. It pairs well with Fish and Seafood, white Meat, grilled Vegetables, and soft Goat Cheese.

Pairing Suggestions

Excellent Pairing:
Green Vegetables.
Grilled Vegetables.
Salads. Caper Salad.
Fish. Seafood. Chili Prawns.
Rice. Pasta. Risotto.
Mediterranean Fish. Tuna.
Salmon. Sushi. Sashimi.
White Meat. Chicken Salad.

Cheese:
Soft Goat Cheese.
Sweet Gorgonzola.

Sicilian Specialities:
Insalata di Tonno e Capperi (Tuna and Capers).

About Catarratto

In Sicily, Catarratto makes up about 60% of the total vineyard area, and over-production has sometimes been a problem.

Catarratto is not a high quality wine grape. It has a neutral taste and low acidity, and is often regarded as a blending grape, or an ingredient in Marsala wines.

But the grape can produce both light and easy-drinking wines, as well as full bodied wines, and dedicated producers can produce interesting fruty wines with crisp lemon flavors.