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 alcoholic or warming, too plain or too simple and too light or thin.
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.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less light or thin.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less light or thin.
New Zealand Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less light or thin.
South African Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
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.
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.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Condrieu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.
Viognier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
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.
Dry Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Condrieu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.
Viognier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
New Zealand Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Kisi
Kisi scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Malvasia
Malvasia scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Montefalco Sagrantino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be stronger and warmer, and earthier.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Greco di Tufo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Santorini Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Savennières
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Condrieu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.
Viognier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.
California Chardonnay
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 less oaky, and lighter.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Franciacorta
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Crémant
Crémant scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
English sparkling wine
English sparkling wine scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Méthode Cap Classique
Méthode Cap Classique scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Marsala
Both are made from catarratto, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.
Moscatel de Setúbal
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and stronger and warmer.
Pedro Ximénez sherry
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, and stronger and warmer.
Vin Santo
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be sweeter, 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.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
New Zealand Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more aromatic.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
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 lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Pinot Blanc
Pinot Blanc scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.
Viognier
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.
Roussanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and cleaner and more fruit-focused.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
Vin Jaune
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Savennières
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Condrieu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.
Viognier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Pošip
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
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.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
South African Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
New Zealand Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.
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.
Friuli white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more savoury.
Chilean Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
New Zealand Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Condrieu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more floral.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Australian Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
White Burgundy
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
South African Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Santorini Assyrtiko
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less oaky.
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.