About Catarratto

In Sicily, Catarratto makes up about 60% of the total vineyard area, and over-production has sometimes been a problem.

Catarratto is not a high quality wine grape. It has a neutral taste and low acidity, and is often regarded as a blending grape, or an ingredient in Marsala wines.

But the grape can produce both light and easy-drinking wines, as well as full bodied wines, and dedicated producers can produce interesting fruty wines with crisp lemon flavors.

Etna DOC

Etna DOC is a wine region on the north, east, and south hills of Mount Etna, the biggest active volcano in Europe.

The region was established in 1968:

Etna DOC Bianco:
Minimum 60% Carricante. Max 40% Catarratto (max 40%). Up to 15% Minella or Trebbiano.

Etna DOC Bianco Superiore:
Minimum 80% Carricante. Max 20% Catarratto, Trebbiano, or Minella. Grapes must be exclusively from the Milo area.

Etna DOC Rosso:
Minimum 80% Nerello Mascalese. Max 20% Nerello Cappuccio. Up to 10% other Sicilian grapes.

Etna DOC Rosso Riserva:
Minimum 80% Nerello Mascalese. Max 20% Nerello Cappuccio. Up to 10% other Sicilian grapes. Minimum 4 years aging, with minimum one year in barrel.

Etna DOC Rosato:
Minimum 80% Nerello Mascalese. Max 20% Nerello Cappuccio. Up to 10% other grapes, including white.

Etna DOC Spumante:
Minimum 60% Nerello Mascalese. Max 40% of other Sicilian varieties.

Etna D.O.C. territory is closely tied to the biggest active volcano in Europe - Etna. Much of it is covered with crops and natural vegetation. Among the cultivated species the grape vine has always played a major role.