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 light or thin 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.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
- A little less light or thin.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Chasselas
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
- About as light or thin as the wine you started from.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Chardonnay
curatedA useful anchor for a soft, moderately acidic white that takes well to lees and time.
- More buttery or thick, not less.
- A little less light or thin.
- About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
Koshu
Koshu scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
- More light or thin, not less.
- Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
- About as light or thin as the wine you started from.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
Vernaccia di San Gimignano scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
- About as light or thin as the wine you started from.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Douro white
Douro white scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- More buttery or thick, not less.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
Encruzado
Encruzado scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- More buttery or thick, not less.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Chasselas
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
Koshu
Koshu scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Chasselas
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Koshu
Koshu scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
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
Koshu scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Trebbiano Toscano
Trebbiano Toscano scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Melon de Bourgogne
Melon de Bourgogne scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Muscadet
Muscadet 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.
Koshu
Koshu scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Trebbiano Toscano
Trebbiano Toscano scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Melon de Bourgogne
Melon de Bourgogne scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Muscadet
Muscadet 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.
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.
Douro white
Douro white scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Encruzado
Encruzado scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
White Burgundy
White Burgundy scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
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.
Douro white
Douro white scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Encruzado
Encruzado scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
White Burgundy
White Burgundy scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Koshu
Koshu scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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 rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Kisi
Kisi scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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 lighter, and fruitier.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Koshu
Koshu scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
Vernaccia di San Gimignano scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Grenache Blanc
Grenache Blanc scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.
Marsanne
Marsanne scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.
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 lighter, and fruitier.
Glera
Glera scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Crémant
Crémant scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
English sparkling wine
English sparkling wine scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Welschriesling
Welschriesling scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Albana
Albana scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Silvaner
Silvaner scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Marsala
Marsala scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Chasselas
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Pinot Grigio
Pinot Grigio scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Clairette
Clairette scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
White Burgundy
White Burgundy scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Friuli white
Friuli white scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Chardonnay
curatedChardonnay scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
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.
Malagousia
Malagousia scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Sancerre
Sancerre scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.
Roussanne
Roussanne scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Alsace Riesling
Alsace Riesling scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, 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.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Chasselas
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Koshu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
Clairette
Clairette scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Torrontés
Torrontés scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.
Malagousia
Malagousia scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Glera
Glera scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and more aromatic.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Chasselas
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Koshu
Koshu scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
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 lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Chasselas
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Franken Silvaner
Franken Silvaner scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Savennières
Savennières 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 fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Pošip
Pošip scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Antão Vaz
Antão Vaz scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
Wachau Grüner Veltliner scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Avesso
Avesso scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
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.
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 rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Pinot Grigio
Pinot Grigio scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Santorini Assyrtiko scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fresher and more acidic.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Chasselas
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Koshu
Koshu scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Chasselas
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Koshu
Koshu scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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 rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Santorini Assyrtiko scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.
Australian Chardonnay
Australian Chardonnay scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.