If you like this, try…
Wines like Macabeo
A Spanish white used in both Cava and white Rioja, where it is called Viura. Below: what to try next, grouped by the direction you want to travel.
Refine
What do you like about Macabeo?
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 tropical fruit
- Passionfruit, mango, pineapple, guava. It comes from riper fruit and warmer sites, and it is the difference between Marlborough and Sancerre in the same grape.
- 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.
- The creamy, rounded texture
- A soft, almost dairy-like roundness. In white wine it usually comes from malolactic fermentation or from time on the lees, not from the grape.
- The floral character
- Rose, violet, elderflower, orange blossom.
- 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 keeping that it is properly dry, while moving away from too austere and too buttery or thick.
- You said you like that it is properly dry and that it is too austere. Both are about sweetness, so they pull the same axis in opposite directions — the dislike is applied and the like is set aside.
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.
Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
Finger Lakes Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
Mosel Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
Welsh white wine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of that it is properly dry, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
English Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of that it is properly dry, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has some of that it is properly dry, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
Welschriesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less austere.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
Albana
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less austere.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Finger Lakes Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Mosel Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Welsh white wine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Finger Lakes Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Mosel Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Welsh white wine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
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.
Mosel Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Kabinett
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Vinho Verde
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
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.
Mosel Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Kabinett
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Vinho Verde
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Vidal
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less floral.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher and more acidic.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher and more acidic.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.
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.
Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Welschriesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less oaky.
Finger Lakes Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Mosel Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Albana
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less floral.
Koshu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
Mtsvane Kakhuri scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less oaky.
Finger Lakes Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less oaky.
Mosel Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Welsh white wine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more herbal and green.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Muscat of Alexandria
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Palomino Fino
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and drier.
Condrieu
Condrieu scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Glera
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and softer and rounder.
Prosecco
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and softer and rounder.
Cava
Both are made from macabeo, and they occupy similar territory for weight and structure, both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Finger Lakes Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Mosel Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Welschriesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less oaky.
Change the flavour
Same shape, different aromatic character.
Similar but less oaky
One of the commonest requests in wine. Strips oak influence while holding grape character and weight.
Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Finger Lakes Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Mosel Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Welschriesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less oaky.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher and more acidic.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher and more acidic.
California Chardonnay
California Chardonnay scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and drier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Mosel Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Scheurebe
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and more aromatic.
English Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more herbal and green.
Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more herbal and green.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Trebbiano Toscano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less oaky.
Pinot Grigio
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less oaky.
Koshu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Seyval Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Mosel Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
English Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more herbal and green.
Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more herbal and green.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Albana
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less floral.
Trebbiano Toscano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less floral.
Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher and more acidic.
Slavonian Graševina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Vouvray
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher and more acidic.
Garganega
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Retsina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more herbal and green.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
English Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more herbal and green.
Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more herbal and green.
Spätlese
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher and more acidic.
Change the place
Keep the grape, move it somewhere else.
Same grape, cooler climate
Typically fresher, lighter and more herbal, with lower 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.
Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Mosel Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
English Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more herbal and green.
Vinho Verde
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Finger Lakes Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Welsh white wine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more herbal and green.
Welschriesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less oaky.
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.
Finger Lakes Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Welsh white wine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher.
Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more herbal and green.
Welschriesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less oaky.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Chardonnay
curatedA useful anchor for a soft, moderately acidic white that takes well to lees and time.
Expect: Macabeo is more neutral and appley, with much less aromatic presence.
Australian Chardonnay
Australian Chardonnay scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
White Burgundy
White Burgundy scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
South African Chenin Blanc
South African Chenin Blanc scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.