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 light or thin, too sharp or lemony, too alcoholic or warming and too austere.
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.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less austere.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less austere.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less austere.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less austere.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less austere.
Gewürztraminer
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less austere.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less austere.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less austere.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.
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.
Trebbiano Toscano
Both come from the same country.
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.
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.
Spätlese
Spätlese scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Petit Manseng
Petit Manseng 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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Alsace Pinot Gris
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 drier.
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.
Alsace Pinot Gris
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 sweeter.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
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 fruitier, and lighter.
Kisi
Kisi scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Friuli white
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Albana
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Petit Manseng
Petit Manseng scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Petite Arvine
Petite Arvine scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter.
Furmint
Furmint scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and lighter in alcohol.
Greco
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and drier.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
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.
Méthode Cap Classique
Méthode Cap Classique scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
California traditional-method sparkling
California traditional-method sparkling scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Marsala
Both are made from catarratto, and the structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Madeira
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
White Port
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
California Chardonnay
California Chardonnay scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
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.
Condrieu
Condrieu 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.
Sémillon
Sémillon scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter.
Palomino Fino
Palomino Fino scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and lighter.
Silvaner
Silvaner 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.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Muscat of Alexandria
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Gewürztraminer
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Vin Jaune
Vin Jaune scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Palomino Fino
Palomino Fino scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Friuli white
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Muscat of Alexandria
Muscat of Alexandria scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer 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.
California Chardonnay
California Chardonnay scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
White Burgundy
White Burgundy scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Pinot Gris
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Chenin Blanc
Chenin Blanc scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.
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.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
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.
Bual
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and sweeter.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and fruitier.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
White Burgundy
White Burgundy scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
California Chardonnay
California Chardonnay scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Australian Chardonnay
Australian Chardonnay scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
South African Chenin Blanc
South African Chenin Blanc scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.