Catarratto Bianco Lucido

Grape variety	Catarratto Bianco Lucido
Synonyms	Known alternatives for Catarratto Bianco Lucido include names such as 'catarrato lustro' and 'castellaro' primarily in the Aeolian Islands.
Grape colour	White grape
History	The Catarratto Bianco Lucido grape is believed to be one of the oldest grape varieties in Sicily, with records tracing its cultivation back to 1696. Early accounts highlight up to four distinct types of Catarratto, including the glossy variety known as Catarratto Bianco Lucido. Its historical significance and continued cultivation have made it a staple in Sicilian winemaking. The grape has seen a resurgence in popularity since 1970, when it was documented and described in detail, highlighting its unique attributes and potential in wine production.
Ampelographic features	The Catarratto Bianco Lucido grape shows distinct features that distinguish it from other varieties. The leaves are generally small to medium-sized, rounded, and may exhibit five lobes. The grape bunches are medium in size, compact, and cylindrical, often elongated and sometimes winged. The berries are smaller than those of the 'common white cataract', displaying a spheroidal or ellipsoid shape with a uniformly distributed, shiny, yellow-golden peel. The pulp is juicy and sweet, albeit slightly less sweet than the 'common white cataract', and the juice is colorless.
Characteristics of the wine	Wines made from the Catarratto Bianco Lucido grape are typically straw yellow in color, which can deepen to a golden hue. Aromatically, these wines offer a blend of fruity and subtle floral notes, with hints of honeysuckle and citrus, particularly lemon, against a backdrop of aromatic herbs. On the palate, these wines are highly alcoholic and well-structured, providing a sense of freshness and a certain level of acidity. Despite their structure, however, they tend to have a somewhat flat flavor profile.