The Catarratto
Grape
One of the most widely planted white grape varieties in Sicily, Italy, Catarratto produces wines with a range of styles, from crisp and refreshing with citrus and floral notes to more full-bodied and rich. It is often used in the production of Marsala but is increasingly being made into varietal wines.
Catarratto
Grape History
Catarratto is an ancient grape variety that has a long history in the wine world. This white grape is primarily grown in Sicily, Italy, where it is one of the most widely planted grape varieties. It is believed to have originated in the Middle East and was brought to Sicily by the Phoenicians thousands of years ago.
One of the interesting facts about Catarratto is that it is a versatile grape that can be used to produce a variety of wine styles. It is often blended with other Sicilian grape varieties such as Grillo and Inzolia to create crisp and refreshing white wines. Catarratto wines are known for their citrusy and floral notes, as well as their bright acidity.
Catarratto is typically grown in the western part of Sicily, particularly in the regions of Trapani and Marsala. The warm and sunny climate of Sicily, along with the sandy and limestone soils, provide ideal growing conditions for this grape variety. Catarratto is also grown in other parts of Italy, as well as in Australia and California.
In Sicily, Catarratto is used to produce a variety of wines, including both dry and sweet styles. It is often used in the production of Marsala, a fortified wine that is aged in oak barrels. Catarratto is also used to make refreshing and aromatic white wines that are perfect for pairing with seafood and salads.
The projected future of Catarratto looks promising, as more and more winemakers are recognizing the potential of this grape variety. With its ability to thrive in warm climates and produce high-quality wines, Catarratto is likely to continue to gain popularity among both wine enthusiasts and producers. As consumers become more interested in unique and indigenous grape varieties, Catarratto is sure to make a name for itself in the world of wine.
Introduction
Hello, my name is Franklin Laurel - Welcome!
I started drinking wine in 1992 when I was in my early twenties and recently married. Like many other young Southern Californians, it started out with White Zinfandel. As we were a couple of young DINKs just beginning life together, and on a budget, our go-to-wine was Sutter Home White Zinfandel, which tasted a lot like wine coolers and probably cost at the time $2.49. If we really were going to splurge, we would step it up and buy Beringer White Zinfandel for $2.99. Those were the days....
After a little time, we decided to get fancy. We stepped up our game and bought some wonderful 2-Buck Chuck from Trader Joe's. The Charles Shaw (Trader Joe's Exclusive Label) wine, also known as 2-Buck-Chuck extended our pallet into Reds for only $1.99 a bottle. Over the years we continued to grow in our understanding of wine (finally ran into some good wine) and we slowly kept buying better and better bottles.
Our first wine club purchase was from Kenwood's Vineyards, in Kenwood, California located in Sonoma Valley, right next to the famous Napa Valley. I began to learn about tobacco leather, and earthiness, and lots of other strange terminology when tasting their signature Zinfandels (of the red variety). So that is how it all began.
Fast forward a couple decades, and we have been members of five different wine clubs, and now have a passion for California's red wines. My favorite by far is Cabernet Sauvignon, while my wife fancies a good Syrah, Malbec, or Merlot - but she also loves the smell of a wine barrel room, which is all about the notes of Cabernet Sauvignon.
As I come across great wine resources and useful information that I find in planning my own wine trips, I will share here for anyone that might stumble across my humble website.
Cheers! - Franklin Laurel