Catarratto is the most planted grape in Sicilia.
Lemon |
Flowers |
Orange Zest |
Grapefruit |
Passion Fruit |
Herbs |
Spices |
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.
Catarratto wines are typically fresh with a medium structure, and a mild acidity:
SUGAR | Dry | ||
BODY | Medium | ||
FRUIT | Medium | ||
ACIDITY | Medium | ||
|
Vegetables |
Salads |
Pasta |
Rice |
Seafood |
Tuna |
Sushi |
Chicken |
Catarratto is very versatile. It pairs well with Fish and Seafood, white Meat, grilled Vegetables, and soft Goat Cheese.
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).
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.