If you like this, try…
Wines like Catarratto
Sicily’s most planted white variety, historically used for Marsala and bulk wine, now increasingly bottled seriously. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Catarratto?
Optional — the results below already work without it. But “I like Malbec” is at least four different preferences wearing one name, and saying which one you mean changes the answer substantially. Only qualities this wine actually has are offered.
What these words mean
- The citrus and orchard fruit
- Lemon, lime, green apple, pear. The signature of a cool-climate white — quieter and less perfumed than tropical fruit, and a different thing from the acidity it usually travels with.
- How light it is
- A wine you can drink without it feeling like a commitment. Usually lower in alcohol as well as lighter in the mouth.
- That it is not too strong
- Alcohol you notice as warmth at the back of the throat. Some people find it a pleasant part of a big red and some find it tiring.
- That it is not oaky
- No barrel character — just the fruit and the acidity. Chablis and Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc are the reference points.
- The savoury, meaty side
- Leather, olive, cured meat, dried herbs, tobacco. It is what people mean by calling a wine "serious" rather than "fruity", and it comes with age as well as with place.
- That it is properly dry
- No perceptible sugar at all. Almost all red wine is dry and a good deal of white wine is not, which is why this is a more useful thing to say about a white than about a red.
Looking for something moving away from too sharp or lemony, too austere and too savoury or funky.
Based on what you said
Ranked against the qualities you named rather than against the wine as a whole. The directions below are refined the same way.
Vidal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Ortega
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Muscadelle
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Aidani
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less savoury or funky.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less savoury or funky.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Vidal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Ortega
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and softer and rounder.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and softer and rounder.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Vidal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Ortega
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and softer and rounder.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and softer and rounder.
Change the structure
Same idea, different weight, grip or freshness.
Similar but lighter
Keeps the character but reduces weight, alcohol and density in the mouth.
Aidani
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more floral.
Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more floral.
Müller-Thurgau
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more restrained in fruit.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but lower in alcohol
Holds the character and the weight where it can, and moves specifically on strength. Note that below about 11% the choices narrow sharply, and below 5% they are mostly a different category rather than a lighter version of the same one.
Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more floral.
Spätlese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Mosel Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more savoury.
Kabinett
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more floral.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and stronger and warmer.
Vidal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Similar but less tannic
For readers who find firm reds drying. Reduces tannic grip while holding flavour and weight roughly steady.
Nothing in WineHQ's catalogue makes this move meaningfully from here. These are the closest wines otherwise, but do not expect them to deliver what you asked for — the honest answer is that this style does not have a good neighbour in that direction.
Vidal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and softer and rounder.
Albana
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more floral.
Malvazija Istarska
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and stronger and warmer.
Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more floral.
Spätlese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and more floral.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and stronger and warmer.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Gewürztraminer
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more aromatic.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fresher.
Glera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
Prosecco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Aidani
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more floral.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Gewürztraminer
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be broader and softer, and more aromatic.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and spicier.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more savoury.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Ortega
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and softer and rounder.
Muscadelle
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and softer and rounder.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more savoury.
Trebbiano Toscano
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and more restrained in fruit.
Seyval Blanc
Seyval Blanc scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fresher.
Silvaner
Silvaner scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and drier.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Aidani
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more floral.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be spicier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Muscadelle
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and softer and rounder.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Sercial
Sercial scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and drier.
Palomino Fino
Palomino Fino scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more savoury, and drier.
Aidani
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more restrained in fruit, and more floral.
Vidal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be cleaner and more fruit-focused, and fuller and richer.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and softer and rounder.
Muscadelle
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and softer and rounder.
Ortega
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and softer and rounder.
Change the place
Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower alcohol.
Same grape, warmer climate
Typically riper, fuller and more generous in fruit, with higher alcohol.
Change the mood
Safer, stranger, cheaper or more serious.
A safe next step
Well-known wines that are widely available and unlikely to surprise anyone.
Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more neutral and subtle.
Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more floral.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Glera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Vidal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Ortega
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and softer and rounder.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and softer and rounder.
A better-value alternative
Wines that occupy similar sensory territory from regions carrying less price premium. WineHQ does not hold live prices, so this reasons from regional reputation and demand rather than from a price feed — treat it as a lead, not a quote.
Vidal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and lighter in alcohol.
Hárslevelű
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Ortega
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and softer and rounder.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fuller and richer, and softer and rounder.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Australian Chardonnay
Australian Chardonnay scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
South African Chenin Blanc
South African Chenin Blanc scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
White Burgundy
White Burgundy scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more savoury.
Each suggestion is scored across sixteen taste dimensions, weighted so that structure matters more than flavour, and adjusted for whether the wine actually moves in the direction you asked for. Curated links from an editor carry extra weight — but only when the editor tagged them for this direction. Nothing here is a black box; see the taste model for the full method.