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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.

← Back to Macabeo

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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.

I like…

That it is properly dry

But it’s a bit…

too tropical or sweet-smelling too light or thin too alcoholic or warming too buttery or thick too floral or soapy too austere

Clear all

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, too tropical or sweet-smelling and 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.

Chardonnay

curated

A 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.
More buttery or thick, not less.

Palomino Fino

Both come from the same country.

A little less light or thin.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.

Koshu

Koshu scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

More light or thin, not less.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Substantially less buttery or thick.

Chasselas

Chasselas scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

About as light or thin as the wine you started from.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.

Xarel·lo

curated

Its partner in Cava, and the variety it is always tasted alongside.

About as light or thin as the wine you started from.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
More buttery or thick, not less.

Trebbiano d’Abruzzo

Trebbiano d’Abruzzo scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

About as light or thin as the wine you started from.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.

Vernaccia di San Gimignano

Vernaccia di San Gimignano scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

About as light or thin as the wine you started from.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.

Douro white

Douro white scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Substantially less light or thin.
Substantially less floral or soapy.
About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
More buttery or thick, not less.

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

curated

A 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

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.

Koshu

Koshu scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Chasselas

Chasselas scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Different grape, similar feel

Deliberately excludes the variety you already know, to find a genuinely new wine that fills the same role.

Chardonnay

curated

A 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

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.

Koshu

Koshu scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Chasselas

Chasselas scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.

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

curated

A 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

curated

A 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

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Chardonnay

curated

A 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

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 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 lighter.

Grenache Blanc

Grenache Blanc scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, 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 softer and rounder.

Pedro Ximénez

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, 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.

Crémant

Crémant scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

English sparkling wine

English sparkling wine scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

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 rounder and creamier in texture.

Similar but sweeter

Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.

Albana

Albana scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

Sémillon

Sémillon scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Trebbiano Toscano

Trebbiano Toscano scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Cava

Both are made from macabeo, and both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, 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

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.

Chasselas

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Pinot Grigio

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 rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.

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

curated

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

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.

Similar but more aromatic

More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.

Sancerre

Sancerre scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter.

Vin Jaune

Vin Jaune scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Roussanne

Roussanne scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and rounder and creamier in texture.

Australian Riesling

Australian 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 softer and rounder.

Koshu

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Chasselas

They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.

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.

Alsace Riesling

Alsace Riesling scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter.

Clairette

Clairette scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter.

Malagousia

Malagousia scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more aromatic.

Falanghina

Falanghina scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter.

Similar but less floral

Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.

Palomino Fino

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.

Koshu

Koshu scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.

Chasselas

Chasselas scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.

Trebbiano d’Abruzzo

Trebbiano d’Abruzzo scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and less floral.

Similar but more savoury

Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.

Palomino Fino

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.

Savennières

Savennières scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

curated

A 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.

Pinot Grigio

Pinot Grigio scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and fruitier.

Something more adventurous

Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.

Palomino Fino

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.

Koshu

Koshu scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Chasselas

Chasselas scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.

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

Both come from the same country.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and softer and rounder.

Koshu

Koshu scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and lighter in alcohol.

Chasselas

Chasselas scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.

Expect: Expect it to be lighter, and rounder and creamier in texture.

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

curated

A 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.

How these are chosen

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.