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 floral or soapy, too alcoholic or warming 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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Chasselas
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Sercial
Sercial scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
Xarel·lo
curatedIts partner in Cava, and the variety it is always tasted alongside.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
- About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
Douro white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
Encruzado
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
Friulano
Friulano scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
Friuli white
Friuli white scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- 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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Chasselas
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Sercial
Sercial scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fruitier.
Xarel·lo
curatedIts partner in Cava, and the variety it is always tasted alongside.
Expect: Xarel·lo is firmer, more structured and more overtly earthy.
Different grape, similar feel
Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.
Palomino Fino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Chasselas
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Sercial
Sercial scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fruitier.
Douro white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.
Koshu
Koshu scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Trebbiano Toscano
Trebbiano Toscano scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Jacquère
Jacquère scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
Melon de Bourgogne
Melon de Bourgogne scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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.
Koshu
Koshu scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Trebbiano Toscano
Trebbiano Toscano scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Melon de Bourgogne
Melon de Bourgogne scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
Jacquère
Jacquère scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Douro white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Encruzado
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Palomino Fino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Douro white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Encruzado
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Friulano
Friulano scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Friuli white
Friuli white scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Kisi
Kisi scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Koshu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Rkatsiteli
Rkatsiteli scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Douro white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fruitier.
Encruzado
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fruitier.
Friulano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fruitier.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fruitier.
Similar but softer
Lowers acidity and sharpness in favour of a broader, gentler feel.
Palomino Fino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and less floral.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and fruitier.
Pedro Ximénez
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
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 fruitier.
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.
Crémant
Crémant scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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 in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
White Port
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Marsala
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fruitier.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Palomino Fino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Chasselas
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fruitier.
Friulano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
California Chardonnay
California Chardonnay scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
White Burgundy
White Burgundy scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Friuli white
Friuli white scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Roussanne
Roussanne scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Vin Jaune
Vin Jaune scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fresher and more acidic.
Alsace Pinot Gris
Alsace Pinot Gris scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
Malagousia
Malagousia 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.
Palomino Fino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Chasselas
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Pinot Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Franken Silvaner
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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 more floral, and more aromatic.
Malagousia
Malagousia scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more aromatic.
Aidani
Aidani scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more aromatic.
Alsace Riesling
Alsace Riesling 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.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Chasselas
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Sercial
Sercial scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
Douro white
Douro white scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fruitier.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Palomino Fino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Chasselas
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Franken Silvaner
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 fruitier.
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 lighter in alcohol.
Antão Vaz
Antão Vaz scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Malvasia
Malvasia scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
Wachau Grüner Veltliner scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
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 fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Pinot Grigio
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Santorini Assyrtiko scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fruitier.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Palomino Fino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Chasselas
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Sercial
Sercial scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fruitier.
Douro white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, 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.
Palomino Fino
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Chasselas
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Sercial
Sercial scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fruitier.
Douro white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
White Burgundy
White Burgundy scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter in alcohol.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Santorini Assyrtiko scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
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 more aromatic.
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.