Catarratto is a white grape variety common to Sicily. It generally produces easy drinking whites but can occasionally deliver premium wines. Officially it is called Catarratto Bianco Commune and is best suited for the production of Marsala due to its propensity to oxidise.
“Clean, expressive lemon and melon on the nose. Lightly creamy texture with lots of succulent citrus, mineral, zest and a modest finish of flowers, lemongrass and faint grapefruit.”
“Intriguing nose of apple, smoke and minerals, backed up by intense scents of lemon and mountain fauna. Fresh, lifted. Good concentration. Lots of citrus on the palate. Complexity. Attractive. Good depth and tension, with an elegantly tart finish.”
“Leans into the elegant, savory camp with its clean, light nose of orange blossoms, herbs, lemons, and a wet, earthy stoniness. Lighter bodied than its peers, the palate is fresh and saline with a kiss of minerality on the finish.”
“Floral notes of dried flowers, broom and geraniums. A little bit of evolution showing on the nose. Attractive. Moorish. Savoury nuances envelope apricot and mandarin. Nice structure. Very crisp, tart, fresh. Aperitif vibes. Crunchy yellow fruit on the finish.”
Cantinen Nicosia is one of the largest players in the production of wine from around Etna. Despite this they also represent one of the region’s historical treasures as well as international success stories. The wines are exported all over the world and provide Ann accessible introduction to the region.
Firriato is one of Sicily’s largest producers with around three-hundred and eighty hectares under vine. The company specialises in local varieties such as Nero d’Avola, Perricone, Zibibbo, Grillo and Catarratto.
Cusumano is one of the most recognisable wine brands in Sicily. They produce good wines from vineyards planted all over the island and utilise both local and international varieties.
Milazzo is one of the of the most exciting wineries on Sicily. Sustainable viticulture and a focus on Sicilian grape varieties backs up a modern winemaking approach.
Terra Costantino is a ten hectare estate located on the southern slopes of Etna in the commune of Viagrande. Founded in 1978 it is now one of the leaders in sustainable winery management in Sicily. Father and son team Dino and Fabio Costantino produces white and red wines from the contrada of Blandano. Luca d’Attoma consults.
Based just north of Siracusa, Cantine Pupillo are known primarily for their Moscato di Siracusa wines. In recent years there has been a bigger trend towards dry wines however.