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 keeping that the fruit is not covered in oak, while moving away from too sharp or lemony, too light or thin and too alcoholic or warming.
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.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- A little less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of that the fruit is not covered in oak, though less of it.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Grillo
curatedIts usual partner in Sicilian whites, and the variety it is most often compared with.
- Keeps that the fruit is not covered in oak.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
- A little less light or thin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
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
Aidani scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Müller-Thurgau
Müller-Thurgau scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.
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.
Greco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Austrian Riesling
Austrian Riesling scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.
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.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Kisi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
Mtsvane Kakhuri scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Friuli white
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Greco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Austrian Riesling
Austrian Riesling scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Petit Manseng
Petit Manseng scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Vin Jaune
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Pedro Ximénez
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Glera
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Champagne
Champagne scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher.
Franciacorta
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and sweeter.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and fruitier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Palomino Fino
Palomino Fino scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter.
Chasselas
Chasselas scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Vin Jaune
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more oaky.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Greco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Malagousia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.
Muscat of Alexandria
Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
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.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Santorini Assyrtiko scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
White Burgundy
White Burgundy scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Australian Chardonnay
Australian Chardonnay scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
South African Chenin Blanc
South African Chenin Blanc scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
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.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and broader and softer.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Santorini Assyrtiko scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
White Burgundy
White Burgundy scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
Australian Chardonnay
Australian Chardonnay scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
South African Chenin Blanc
South African Chenin Blanc scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more oaky, and lighter.
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.