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 floral or soapy 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.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less buttery or thick.
Pinot Grigio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
- About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
Grillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
Pecorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
Verdelho
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less buttery or thick.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less buttery or thick.
Retsina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
Gros Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- A little less buttery or thick.
Closest overall
Nearest neighbours, no change of direction.
Closest matches
The nearest overall neighbours across structure and flavour, with no deliberate change of direction.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 less oaky.
Grillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Pecorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, 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.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 less oaky.
Grillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Pecorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, 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.
Pinot Grigio
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Gavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Picpoul de Pinet
Picpoul de Pinet scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Picpoul
Picpoul scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
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.
Txakoli
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Alpine white
Alpine white scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
Trebbiano Romagnolo scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but fuller
Keeps the character but adds weight, concentration and mouthfeel.
Bual
Bual scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less floral.
Godello
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
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 in alcohol.
Encruzado
Encruzado scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, 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.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less floral.
Bual
Bual scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less floral.
Grillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Pecorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Kisi
Kisi scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, 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 in alcohol.
Istrian Malvazija
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Malvazija Istarska
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Grillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Pecorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Pinot Grigio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fresher and more acidic, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
Pedro Ximénez
Both come from the same country.
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.
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 rounder and creamier in texture.
Crémant
Crémant scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
English sparkling wine
English sparkling wine scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Austrian Sekt
Austrian Sekt scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less floral.
Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Verdelho
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less floral.
Madeira
Madeira scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less floral.
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.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
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 lighter.
Grillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Pecorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
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 in alcohol.
Australian Chardonnay
Australian Chardonnay scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
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 in alcohol.
Chilean Chardonnay
Chilean Chardonnay scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more aromatic
More to smell before you taste — floral, fruity or spiced aromatics.
Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more floral.
Welsh white wine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more floral.
Sancerre
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and more floral.
Similar but more restrained
For readers who find intensely aromatic wines tiring over a whole glass. Keeps the structure, turns the volume down.
Pinot Grigio
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
Gavi
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Palomino Fino
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Pinot Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
English Bacchus
English Bacchus scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Alsace Riesling
Alsace Riesling scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Bacchus
Bacchus scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and lighter in alcohol.
Torrontés
Torrontés scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more floral, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but less floral
Some drinkers read floral aromatics as soapy or perfumed. This holds the structure and removes them.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Grillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Pecorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Verdelho
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more savoury
Moves away from primary fruit towards earth, herb, meat and umami character.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less floral.
Retsina
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Palomino Fino
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Pecorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but fruitier
More obvious, generous fruit flavour, usually from a warmer climate.
Gros Manseng
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Petite Arvine
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fresher and more acidic.
Wachau Grüner Veltliner
Wachau Grüner Veltliner scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less floral.
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
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less oaky.
German dry Riesling (trocken)
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Sauvignon Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, 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.
Something more adventurous
Less familiar wines that occupy similar territory — the interesting end of the shelf.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less floral.
Grillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Pecorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Verdelho
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, 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.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less floral.
Grillo
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Pecorino
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Verdelho
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and less floral.
A step up
The benchmark expressions of the same territory, usually with more concentration, structure and ageing potential.
Australian Chardonnay
Australian Chardonnay scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
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 in alcohol.
South African Chenin Blanc
South African Chenin Blanc scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
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 in alcohol.
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.