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 plain or too simple and too sharp or lemony.
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.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
Vermentino
curatedA close match among Mediterranean whites: citrus, green almond and a saline finish.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- About as sharp or lemony as the wine you started from.
Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
Roero Arneis
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less plain or too simple.
- A little less sharp or lemony.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fruitier.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fruitier.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
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.
Koshu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less oaky.
Müller-Thurgau
Müller-Thurgau scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Alpine white
Alpine white scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
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.
Koshu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less oaky.
Alpine white
Alpine white scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Hunter Valley Semillon
Hunter Valley Semillon scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
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.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fruitier.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Istrian Malvazija
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
Brda Rebula
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fresher.
Koshu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less oaky.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Vin Jaune
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Etna Bianco
Both are made from catarratto, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and broader and softer.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
California Chardonnay
California Chardonnay scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more oaky.
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 fresher, and less oaky.
Franciacorta
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Méthode Cap Classique
Méthode Cap Classique scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
California traditional-method sparkling
California traditional-method sparkling scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Vin Santo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and sweeter.
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 fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fruitier.
White Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, 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 fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Chardonnay
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fruitier.
Koshu
Koshu scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less oaky.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less oaky.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less oaky.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Roero Arneis
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
Macabeo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
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 less oaky, and fresher.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Franken Silvaner
Franken Silvaner scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and less oaky.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Alsace Pinot Gris
Alsace Pinot Gris scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Pošip
Pošip scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less oaky.
Viognier
Viognier scores closest to Catarratto across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.
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 fruitier, and more neutral and subtle.
Etna Bianco
Both are made from catarratto, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and less oaky.
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.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and more neutral and subtle.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fruitier.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
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.
White Bordeaux
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and fruitier.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more neutral and subtle, and fruitier.
Roussanne
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and fruitier.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
Australian Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
South African Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher.
Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more neutral and subtle.
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.