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 buttery or thick, too austere, too floral or soapy and too tropical or sweet-smelling.
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.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Koshu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- More buttery or thick, not less.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Seyval Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less austere.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Pinot Grigio
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
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 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.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
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 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.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
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 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.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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 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.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
Furmint
Furmint scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Malvasia
Malvasia scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Vidal
Vidal scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, 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.
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.
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.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Chenin Blanc
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.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Koshu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Istrian Malvazija
Istrian Malvazija scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Malvazija Istarska
Malvazija Istarska 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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Koshu
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.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
Grenache Blanc
Grenache Blanc scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Marsanne
Marsanne scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and drier.
Pedro Ximénez
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
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.
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.
English Blanc de Blancs
English Blanc de Blancs 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 rounder and creamier in texture, and less floral.
Albana
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Sémillon
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Welschriesling
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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 rounder and creamier in texture, and less floral.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Seyval Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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 rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Chenin Blanc
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.
Furmint
Furmint scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
California Chardonnay
California Chardonnay scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
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.
Welsh white wine
Welsh white wine scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and drier.
Riesling
Riesling scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Mosel Riesling
Mosel Riesling 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.
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.
Koshu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Seyval Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
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.
Mosel Riesling
Mosel Riesling scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more aromatic.
Glera
Glera scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and drier.
Muscadelle
Muscadelle 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 rounder and creamier in texture.
Koshu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and less floral.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less floral.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Chasselas
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Muscadet
Muscadet scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Petite Arvine
Petite Arvine scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Riesling
Riesling 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 rounder and creamier in texture.
Malvasia
Malvasia scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Chenin Blanc
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.
Vinho Verde
Vinho Verde scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and drier.
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 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.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
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 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.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
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.
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.
California Chardonnay
California Chardonnay scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Santorini Assyrtiko 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.