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 alcoholic or warming, too buttery or thick, 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.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Pinot Grigio
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Chasselas
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Sercial
Sercial scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- A little less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
Koshu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- More alcoholic or warming, not less.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Gavi
Gavi scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Pinot Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
- About as buttery or thick 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.
Palomino Fino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less floral.
Pinot Grigio
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Chasselas
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Sercial
Sercial scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, 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 rounder and creamier in texture, and less floral.
Pinot Grigio
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Chasselas
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Sercial
Sercial scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, 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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Pinot Grigio
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Trebbiano Toscano
Trebbiano Toscano scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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 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 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 lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
Muscadet
Muscadet 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
Douro white scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Encruzado
Encruzado scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Friuli white
Friuli white scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
White Burgundy
White Burgundy scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less floral.
Chasselas
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Sercial
Sercial scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fruitier.
Douro white
Douro white scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
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 lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Friuli white
Friuli white scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Istrian Malvazija
Istrian Malvazija scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Malvazija Istarska
Malvazija Istarska scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Pinot Grigio
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
Koshu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
Gavi
Gavi scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and lighter in alcohol.
Pinot Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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 rounder and creamier in texture, and softer and rounder.
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 in alcohol, and fruitier.
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.
English Blanc de Blancs
English Blanc de Blancs 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.
Sercial
Sercial scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fruitier.
Trebbiano Toscano
Trebbiano Toscano scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
White Port
White Port scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Silvaner
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
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure, and both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less floral.
Pinot Grigio
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Chasselas
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Sercial
Sercial scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, 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 fruitier.
Friuli white
Friuli white scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Sémillon
Sémillon scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
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.
Welsh white wine
Welsh white wine scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter in alcohol.
Sancerre
Sancerre scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter in alcohol.
Roussanne
Roussanne scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and rounder and creamier in texture.
English Bacchus
English Bacchus 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 rounder and creamier in texture, and less floral.
Pinot Grigio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Chasselas
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Koshu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
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.
Glera
Glera scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter in alcohol.
English Bacchus
English Bacchus scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and more aromatic.
Bacchus
Bacchus 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 rounder and creamier in texture.
Sercial
Sercial scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and fresher and more acidic.
Chasselas
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Koshu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
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 rounder and creamier in texture, and less floral.
Chasselas
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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 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.
Gros Manseng
Gros Manseng scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Petite Arvine
Petite Arvine 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.
Pinot Grigio
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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.
Pinot Gris
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
White Burgundy
White Burgundy scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
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 rounder and creamier in texture, and less floral.
Chasselas
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Sercial
Sercial scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fruitier.
Koshu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
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 rounder and creamier in texture, and less floral.
Chasselas
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Sercial
Sercial scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and fruitier.
Koshu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
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 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 rounder and creamier in texture, 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.
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.