Catarratto

Catarratto

For a grape variety essentially marooned on the island of Sicily, it is somewhat surprising that Catarratto was once Italy’s second most planted vine, trailing just behind Sangiovese. Its tendency to high yields saw it heavily favoured in an era less concerned with wine quality, and, to be fair, its somewhat bland character also made it a good candidate for the production of Marsala (albeit the simpler versions), once the island’s strongest suit.

Today, with quality aspirations at the fore and Marsala production in decline, plantings have dwindled significantly, decreasing by around 50% since 2000. What is still produced – still over 30% of the island’s total plantings – is increasingly being used to good effect, primarily in blends.

Catarratto is divided into two primary groups, Cataratto Bianco Lucido and Cataratto Bianco Commune, ...READ MORE

Catarratto

For a grape variety essentially marooned on the island of Sicily, it is somewhat surprising that Catarratto was once Italy’s second most planted vine, trailing just behind Sangiovese. Its tendency to high yields saw it heavily favoured in an era less concerned with wine quality, and, to be fair, its somewhat bland character also made it a good candidate for the production of Marsala (albeit the simpler versions), once the island’s strongest suit.

Today, with quality aspirations at the fore and Marsala production in decline, plantings have dwindled significantly, decreasing by around 50% since 2000. What is still produced – still over 30% of the island’s total plantings – is increasingly being used to good effect, primarily in blends.

Catarratto is divided into two primary groups, Cataratto Bianco Lucido and Cataratto Bianco Commune, and while they have often been treated as two distinct, if very similar, varieties, they have now been proven to be genetically identical with differing massal characteristics. Catarratto is thought to be an offspring of Garganega, Soave’s primary grape and widely thought to be of ancient Greek origin.

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