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, too tropical or sweet-smelling and too floral or soapy.
- 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.
Trebbiano Toscano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of that it is properly dry, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of that it is properly dry, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has noticeably less of that it is properly dry.
- Substantially less austere.
- About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Chasselas
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Seyval Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Has some of that it is properly dry, though less of it.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Koshu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Keeps that it is properly dry.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Trebbiano Toscano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Trebbiano Toscano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.
Koshu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Jacquère
Jacquère scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
Trebbiano Toscano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.
Koshu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Melon de Bourgogne
Melon de Bourgogne scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
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.
Furmint
Furmint scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher and more acidic.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
California Chardonnay
California Chardonnay scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
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.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Trebbiano Toscano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fruitier.
Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Koshu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Malvasia
Malvasia scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Rkatsiteli
Rkatsiteli scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Trebbiano Toscano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and less floral.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fruitier.
Seyval Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and softer and rounder.
Grenache Blanc
Grenache Blanc scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and softer and rounder.
Marsanne
Marsanne scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and softer and rounder.
Pedro Ximénez
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and sweeter.
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 drier, and fruitier.
Corpinnat
Both are made from macabeo, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and drier.
Crémant
Crémant scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and drier.
English sparkling wine
English sparkling wine scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and drier.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Trebbiano Toscano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Albana
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Chenin Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fruitier.
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.
Trebbiano Toscano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and more aromatic.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Chasselas
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fruitier.
California Chardonnay
California Chardonnay scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Furmint
Furmint scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Aidani
Aidani scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more floral.
Muscadelle
Muscadelle scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Ortega
Ortega scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Welsh white wine
Welsh white wine scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and drier.
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 less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Chasselas
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Aidani
Aidani scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more aromatic.
Muscadelle
Muscadelle scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more aromatic.
Ortega
Ortega scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more aromatic.
Hárslevelű
Hárslevelű scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more aromatic.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Trebbiano Toscano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Chasselas
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Malvasia
Malvasia scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Vidal
Vidal scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Petite Arvine
Petite Arvine scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Pošip
Pošip scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
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.
Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Chenin Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fruitier.
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.
Pinot Grigio
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Trebbiano Toscano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Trebbiano Toscano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and less floral.
Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
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.
California Chardonnay
California Chardonnay scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
White Burgundy
White Burgundy scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Santorini Assyrtiko scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
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.