Catarratto Bianco is one of Sicily’s most representative indigenous grape varieties, where it has been cultivated for centuries and is already documented in historical ampelographic literature. It belongs to the Vitis vinifera species and mainly comprises the Catarratto Bianco Comune and Catarratto Bianco Lucido varieties, which are genetically distinct but share a strong Sicilian identity. The leaf is generally medium to large, pentagonal, three-lobed or five-lobed, with a downy underside; the bunch is medium-sized, conical or pyramidal, often winged and of varying compactness. The berries are medium-sized, spherical, with a yellow-green skin that tends towards golden when fully ripe; in the Catarratto Lucido variety, the surface may appear shinier and less pruinose.
The grape variety is widespread across most of the island, from the western and central-southern areas to the eastern regions, adapting well to different altitudes, soils and climatic conditions. The wines produced range in colour from straw-yellow to golden, with delicate aromas of white fruit and citrus, sometimes accompanied by floral and herbaceous notes. On the palate, they offer freshness, balance, savouriness and a generally medium body, with a harmonious finish and, in some versions, a pleasant almond-like note. The potential for ageing increases in the more structured wines, those aged on fine lees or matured in wood. Its versatility is also noteworthy, allowing for the production of still wines, sparkling wines, late-harvest wines and passito wines.
