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.
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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 buttery or thick.
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.
Pinot Grigio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
Koshu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
Welsh white wine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
English Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
Mantinia Moschofilero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
Retsina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
Sancerre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Pinot Grigio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Koshu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Welsh white wine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more herbal and green.
English Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and fresher.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Pinot Grigio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Koshu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Welsh white wine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more herbal and green.
English Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, 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.
Koshu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and more neutral and subtle.
Txakoli
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Mantinia Moschofilero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fresher.
Alpine white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
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.
Koshu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Kabinett
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Mantinia Moschofilero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fresher.
Mosel Riesling
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
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.
Godello
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less floral.
Fiano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Fiano di Avellino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
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.
Pinot Grigio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Welsh white wine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more herbal and green.
English Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and fresher.
Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and fresher.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Koshu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Mtsvane Kakhuri
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less oaky.
Istrian Malvazija
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less floral.
Malvazija Istarska
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less floral.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Koshu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Pinot Grigio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Welsh white wine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and sweeter.
English Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and sweeter.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Palomino Fino
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Pinot Grigio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Koshu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Welsh white wine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more herbal and green.
The sparkling version
Moves to a sparkling expression while holding the flavour and weight as close as possible.
Glera
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and sweeter.
Prosecco
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fresher.
Asti
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and sweeter.
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 rounder and creamier in texture, and more sparkling.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and sweeter.
Finger Lakes Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and sweeter.
Welsh white wine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more herbal and green.
English Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and fresher.
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.
Pinot Grigio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more neutral and subtle.
Mantinia Moschofilero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fresher.
Retsina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and more savoury.
Australian Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Chardonnay
curatedThey occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less oaky.
White Bordeaux
White Bordeaux scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less oaky.
Sémillon
Sémillon scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and sweeter.
Friuli white
Friuli white scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less oaky.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Mantinia Moschofilero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fresher.
English Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and fresher.
Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and fresher.
Kabinett
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Pinot Grigio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
Koshu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Gavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Pinot Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less floral.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Mantinia Moschofilero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more aromatic.
English Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and fresher.
Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and fresher.
Kabinett
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Koshu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Retsina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and more savoury.
Gavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Alpine white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Retsina
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and more savoury.
Sancerre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more herbal and green.
Gavi
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Alpine white
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more herbal and green.
English Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and fresher.
Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and fresher.
Mantinia Moschofilero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fresher.
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 Grigio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less oaky, and lighter.
English Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and fresher.
Sancerre
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and more herbal and green.
Australian Riesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fresher.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Koshu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Welsh white wine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more herbal and green.
Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and fresher.
Mantinia Moschofilero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fresher.
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.
Koshu
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Welsh white wine
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher, and more herbal and green.
Bacchus
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more herbal and green, and fresher.
Mantinia Moschofilero
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fresher.
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 rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
White Burgundy
White Burgundy scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fuller and richer.
South African Chenin Blanc
South African Chenin Blanc scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, 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.