The white grape variety originates from the island of Sicily(Italy). Synonyms are Bianco Comuni, Catarratteddu, Catarratto alla Porta, Catarratto Bertolaro, Catarratto Bianco Comune, Catarratto Bianco Latino, Catarratto Bianco Lucido, Catarratto Bianco Lucido Serrato, Catarratto Carteddaro, Catarratto Corteddaro, Catarratto Latino, Catarrattu Lu Nostrum and Lucido. The locally named varieties Baganedda, Bagascedda, Catarratto Ammantiddatu, Fimminedda and Mattu could be varieties or open-pollinated seedlings of Catarratto Bianco. It must not be confused with the two cultivars Carricante or Francavidda, despite seemingly suggestive synonyms or morphological similarities.
A distinction is made between the two varieties Catarratto Bianco Comune and Catarratto Bianco Lucido. For a long time, Comune was considered a descendant of Lucido. According to ampelographic analyses, however, they are two clones of the same variety. According to DNA analyses carried out most recently in 2019, the Catarratto Bianco Comune variety comes from a presumably natural cross between Garganega x Mantonico Bianco. The Grillo variety is a direct descendant. No parentage is given in the VIVC catalogue for Catarratto Bianco Lucido. According to DNA analysis carried out in 2013, the variety Catarratto Bianco Faux listed in the VIVC catalogue originates from a presumably natural cross between Sangiovese and Catarratto Bianco Comune.
The two varieties of the medium to late ripening vine have quite different characteristics. The Comune is resistant to fungi, bacteria and viruses, whereas the Lucido is susceptible to powdery mildew and botrytis due to its more compact grapes. As a rule, simple, acidic white wines with aromas of citrus and herbs are produced, although the Lucido is considered to have better potential. It is preferred for the production of Marsala, vermouth and consumer wines, as well as for distillation and the production of RTK (Rectified Grape Must Concentrate).
The very old variety was mentioned in 1696 by the botanist Francesco Cupani (1657-1710) in his work "Hortus Catholicus" as a Sicilian wine variety. Here it is mainly cultivated in the provinces of Agrigento, Palermo and Trapani and is permitted in the DOC wines Alcamo, Etna, Mamertino di Milazzo, Marsala, Monreale, Salaparuta and Sicilia. The total vineyard area in Italy is 28,563 hectares. There is a small stock in California with 50 hectares. In 2016, a total of 28,613 hectares of vineyards were designated. This results in 32nd place in the global grape variety ranking (Kym Anderson).
Source: Wine Grapes / J. Robinson, J. Harding, J. Vouillamoz / Penguin Books Ltd. 2012
Images: M.I.P.A.F - National Vine Certification Service
