The Catarratto grape is a white grape variety found throughout Sicily, particularly in the Trapani area. The name seems to derive from the characteristic abundance of its production. There are several varieties, but the ones cataloged are Catarratto Bianco Comune and Catarratto Bianco Lucido. Although appreciated by the public, its cultivation has recently decreased in favor of more market-demanded international varieties. However, the work in the cellar to enhance the characteristics of the Catarratto grape has never ceased, leading to the production of wines of considerable value. Recent DNA studies suggest that Catarratto, through a natural cross with Moscato di Alessandria, gave rise to Grillo and is very likely also the parent of Garganega, in addition to having direct relationships with many other varieties such as Albana, Susumaniello, Mostosa, and Trebbiano Toscano.
Catarratto Bianco Comune is a grape variety with good vigor and consistent productivity. The main training system used for its cultivation is the trellis with Guyot or short pruning. The cluster of Catarratto Bianco Comune is medium-large, long, winged, cylindrical-conical or pyramidal, ranging from medium to compact with medium-small to small, elliptical or spherical berries, green-gray in color tending to pink on the sun-exposed side.
