Catarratto

This section covers Catarratto Bianco Comune, the form of Catarratto described by VIVC passport 2341. VIVC records Italy as its country or region of origin. Its parents are Garganega and Mantonico Bianco, a pedigree confirmed by DNA markers. Mantonico Bianco is the complementary parent, with Garganega, of Catarratto, and Mantonico Bianco shows a first-degree relationship with Catarratto. In WineWiki's VIVC-derived lineage data, Catarratto Bianco Comune is a parent of Grillo and a half-sibling of Gaglioppo and Nerello Mascalese.

• VIVC prime name: Catarratto Bianco Comune; VIVC variety number 2341; berry skin: white (blanc); country of origin: Italy
• Parents: Garganega x Mantonico Bianco, confirmed by DNA markers
• Offspring in WineWiki's lineage data: Grillo
• Half-siblings in WineWiki's lineage data: Gaglioppo and Nerello Mascalese

Catarratto is an ancient grape variety indigenous to Sicily, valued as much for its character as for its productivity. It was once the most planted Italian white variety, but it is now disappearing. Some Catarratto ends up as grape concentrate.

• An ancient variety indigenous to Sicily
• Valued for its productivity as well as its character
• Once the most planted Italian white variety, now disappearing
• Some of the crop ends up as grape concentrate

Catarratto is distinguished by its clones, which are quite different from each other. The two main and most widespread are Catarratto Bianco Comune and Catarratto Bianco Lucido, and Comune is the biotype with higher sugar and lower acid. Catarratto is also a parent of Grillo, a crossing of Catarratto and Zibibbo.

• Two main clones: Catarratto Bianco Comune and Catarratto Bianco Lucido
• Comune: higher sugar, lower acid
• Parent of Grillo, a crossing of Catarratto and Zibibbo

Catarratto is grown exclusively in Sicily. It is widespread in the west of the island, where it is used in PDO wines. On Mount Etna it counts among the main indigenous varieties, with Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio and Carricante, although its popularity on the volcano is declining.

• Grown exclusively in Sicily
• Widespread in western Sicily, where it goes into PDO wines
• One of Etna's main indigenous varieties, though declining there

Catarratto makes medium to full bodied whites, with aromas and flavours of citrus, banana and pineapple, and it can be full and lemony. At its best it carries citrus aromas, structure, freshness and a pleasant mineral aftertaste. Beyond still wine, Catarratto of any variety or clone is permitted in Marsala oro and ambra. In Etna Bianco it can make up to 40% of the blend, with Carricante at least 60%, and it is also allowed in Etna Bianco Superiore, in blends where Carricante is always predominant.

• Medium to full bodied, with citrus, banana and pineapple aromas and flavours
• Comune biotype: higher sugar, lower acid
• Permitted in Marsala oro and ambra, all varieties and clones
• Etna Bianco: up to 40%, with Carricante at least 60%
• A principal white variety of Alcamo, Menfi and Sicilia DOC

Primary sources: https://www.vivc.de/index.php?r=passport%2Fview&id=2341 ;https://doi.org/10.5344/ajev.2016.16068 ; https://doi.org/10.1186/s12870-018-1576-y ; https://www.masaf.gov.it/flex/cm/pages/ServeAttachment.php/L/IT/D/1%252Ff%252F6%252FD.b5bdd1dbb38eb7253e5a/P/BLOB%3AID%3D4625/E/7z?mode=download ; https://thewinesofetna.com/wines/ ; https://thewinesofetna.com/terroir/ Reference sources: https://italianwinecentral.com/variety/catarratto/ ; https://italianwinecentral.com/variety/grillo/ ; https://www.jancisrobinson.com/learn/grape-varieties/white/catarratto Last verified 2026-10-20