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 moving away from too austere, too tropical or sweet-smelling and too alcoholic or warming.
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.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
Sercial
Sercial scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- Substantially less austere.
- About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- More alcoholic or warming, not less.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Welschriesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less austere.
- About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
- About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less austere.
- About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
- About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
Bual
Bual scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- Substantially less austere.
- About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less austere.
- More tropical or sweet-smelling, not less.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Sercial
Sercial scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and drier.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Sercial
Sercial scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and drier.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
Seyval Blanc
Seyval Blanc scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
Trebbiano Romagnolo scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Aidani
Aidani scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more aromatic.
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
Trebbiano Toscano scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
Trebbiano Romagnolo scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Koshu
Koshu scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Melon de Bourgogne
Melon de Bourgogne scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Bual
Bual 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.
Alsace Pinot Gris
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Bual
Bual scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher and more acidic.
Alsace Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Sercial
Sercial scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and drier.
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 lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Malvasia
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Friuli white
Friuli white scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Kisi
Kisi scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
Welschriesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
Seyval Blanc
Seyval Blanc scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
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.
Pedro Ximénez
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and sweeter.
Grenache Blanc
Grenache Blanc scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and softer and rounder.
Muscat of Alexandria
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
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 in alcohol, and drier.
Glera
Glera scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Corpinnat
Both are made from macabeo, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
Vouvray
Vouvray scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
White Port
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Marsala
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Madeira
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and fresher and more acidic.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and drier.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Welschriesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
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 lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
California Chardonnay
California Chardonnay scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Chenin Blanc
Chenin Blanc scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
Furmint
Furmint scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
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 lighter in alcohol.
Alsace Pinot Gris
Alsace Pinot Gris scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
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.
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 in alcohol, and fruitier.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
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 aromatic, and lighter in alcohol.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
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.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Sercial
Sercial scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and drier.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
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 lighter in alcohol.
Sercial
Sercial scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and drier.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Alsace Pinot Gris
Alsace Pinot Gris scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Malvasia
Malvasia 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.
Muscadelle
Muscadelle scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in 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.
Chenin Blanc
Chenin Blanc scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
California Chardonnay
California Chardonnay scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and drier.
Pinot Gris
Pinot Gris scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Glera
Glera scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Sercial
Sercial scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and drier.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Sercial
Sercial scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and drier.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
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.
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.
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.