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 light or thin.
- 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.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Condrieu
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 light or thin.
Viognier
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 light or thin.
Gewürztraminer
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less light or thin.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less light or thin.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of that it is properly dry, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- 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.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
Muscat of Alexandria
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 aromatic.
Condrieu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
Muscat of Alexandria
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 aromatic.
Condrieu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.
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.
Trebbiano Toscano
Trebbiano Toscano scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Riesling
Riesling scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Aidani
Aidani scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Vidal
Vidal scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Spätlese
Spätlese scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and lighter.
Trebbiano Toscano
Trebbiano Toscano scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Riesling
Riesling scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
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 drier, and more aromatic.
Viognier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
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.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
Muscat of Alexandria
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 aromatic.
Condrieu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.
Viognier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Kisi
Kisi scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Friuli white
Friuli white scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Pfalz Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Muscat of Alexandria
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 aromatic.
Condrieu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.
Viognier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.
Gewürztraminer
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Cava
Both are made from macabeo, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Corpinnat
Both are made from macabeo, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Crémant
Crémant scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Muscat of Alexandria
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 aromatic.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Marsala
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and stronger and warmer.
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.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Muscat of Alexandria
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 aromatic.
Gewürztraminer
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
Petit Manseng
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Sémillon
Sémillon scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Chenin Blanc
Chenin Blanc scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Muscat of Alexandria
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 aromatic.
Condrieu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.
Viognier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.
Gewürztraminer
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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 lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Silvaner
Silvaner scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Palomino Fino
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and drier.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Condrieu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Viognier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Gewürztraminer
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Petit Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 drier, and lighter.
Furmint
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Savennières
Savennières scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Vin Jaune
Vin Jaune scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Friuli white
Friuli white scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
White Burgundy
White Burgundy scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Muscat of Alexandria
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Condrieu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Viognier
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Gewürztraminer
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
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.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
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.
Chenin Blanc
Chenin Blanc scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Australian Chardonnay
Australian Chardonnay scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
Muscat of Alexandria
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 aromatic.
Condrieu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.
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.
Malvasia
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Alsace Pinot Gris
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and spicier.
Muscat of Alexandria
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 aromatic.
Condrieu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
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 lighter.
White Burgundy
White Burgundy scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter.
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.