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 light or thin, 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.
Chardonnay
curatedA useful anchor for a soft, moderately acidic white that takes well to lees and time.
- A little less light or thin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- A little less light or thin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Douro white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
Encruzado
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less light or thin.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
Chasselas
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- About as light or thin 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.
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.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Douro white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Encruzado
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
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 less floral.
Douro white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Encruzado
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.
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.
Pedro Ximénez
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.
Douro white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Encruzado
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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 more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Kisi
Kisi scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Malvasia
Malvasia scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Rkatsiteli
Rkatsiteli scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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 lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Encruzado
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Marsanne
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.
Pedro Ximénez
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and softer and rounder.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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, and fruitier.
Corpinnat
Both are made from macabeo, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
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.
Marsala
Marsala scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
Vin Santo
Vin Santo scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Recioto della Valpolicella
Recioto della Valpolicella scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
White Port
White Port scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
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 less floral.
Chasselas
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Grenache Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Greco
Greco scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Chardonnay
curatedThey occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Vin Jaune
Vin Jaune 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 lighter.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Chasselas
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
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.
Malagousia
Malagousia scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more aromatic.
Clairette
Clairette scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter.
Roussanne
Roussanne scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and more floral.
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 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 less floral.
Douro white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
Encruzado
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
White Burgundy
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and lighter.
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 less floral.
Savennières
Savennières scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
Chasselas
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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.
Antão Vaz
Antão Vaz scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
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 less floral.
Douro white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Encruzado
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 less floral.
Douro white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Encruzado
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.
Friuli white
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 lighter, and fresher and more acidic.
California Chardonnay
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and lighter.
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.