The Catarratto grape is a distinguished white grape variety that predominantly hails from the sun-soaked island of Sicily, Italy. It is, indeed, one of the oldest and most extensively cultivated grape types in the region, where Mother Nature graces the vineyards with abundant sunshine, Mediterranean breezes and fertile soils – a perfect terroir for these grapes to thrive.
Interestingly, Catarratto comes in two key varieties, including the Catarratto Bianco Comune, and the more upscale Catarratto Bianco Lucido. The former is more widespread, whereas the latter is known for its finely-tuned, high-quality yield. The word "Catarratto" translates to mean 'waterfall', which is often interpreted as a metaphorical hint at the high-volume production characteristic of this grape type.
The grapes result in wines that are discerningly crisp, aromatic, and high in acidity, emanating notes of components such as lemon zest, green apple, pear, and white floral. Their colour generally bends towards a pale straw-yellow with delightful gleaming reflections.
For years, Catarratto was predominantly used to produce mass-market wines and contribute to blends, including the famous Sicilian fortified wine, Marsala. However, in recent years, as artisan winemaking has seen a renaissance in Sicily, the grape’s reputation has seen a positive shift. Winemakers are now coaxing out its potential, producing some commendable and complex single-variety bottles that have caught the attention of global wine enthusiasts.
Profound environmental adaptability, coupled with its resistance to diseases, explains the Catarratto grape’s popularity among local growers. Its vines blossom finely in the spring and animate vineyards with delightful, bright-green, spherical grapes that are ready to be harvested by mid-October.
In essence, the Catarratto grape represents the spirit of Sicily, a resilient vine yielding a versatile, refreshingly acidic grape, brimming with promise. It is a classic embodiment of the dynamic shifts that are being embraced in the vineyards and cellars around the world.
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