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 tropical or sweet-smelling, too floral or soapy, too alcoholic or warming, too austere 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.
- About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less buttery or thick.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- Substantially less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- More alcoholic or warming, not less.
- Substantially less austere.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less austere.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less austere.
- More buttery or thick, not less.
Seyval Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less austere.
- About as buttery or thick as the wine you started from.
Petite Arvine
Petite Arvine scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- More tropical or sweet-smelling, not less.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less austere.
- A little less buttery or thick.
Pinot Grigio
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
- A little less tropical or sweet-smelling.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- About as alcoholic or warming as the wine you started from.
- About as austere as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less buttery or thick.
Verdelho
Verdelho scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
- About as tropical or sweet-smelling as the wine you started from.
- Substantially less floral or soapy.
- Substantially less alcoholic or warming.
- Substantially less austere.
- 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 drier, and fruitier.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Sémillon
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 drier, and fruitier.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Sémillon
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.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Koshu
Koshu scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
Trebbiano Romagnolo scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Seyval Blanc
Seyval Blanc scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
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.
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.
Koshu
Koshu scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Trebbiano Romagnolo
Trebbiano Romagnolo scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Melon de Bourgogne
Melon de Bourgogne scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
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 fruitier.
Malvasia
Malvasia scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Furmint
Furmint scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and fruitier.
Douro white
Douro white scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, 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.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Bual
Bual scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Similar but more structured
More tannic architecture, for food or for ageing.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Koshu
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Malvasia
Malvasia scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Kisi
Kisi scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Similar but fresher
Raises acidity and overall lift, usually by moving to a cooler-climate expression.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Seyval Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Petite Arvine
Petite Arvine scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
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 drier.
Grenache Blanc
Grenache Blanc scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be softer and rounder, and drier.
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 drier.
Crémant
Crémant scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
English sparkling wine
English sparkling wine scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
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 drier.
Similar but sweeter
Adds perceptible sweetness, which also softens acidity and chilli heat.
Trebbiano Toscano
The structural profile is close across body, acidity and tannin.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Madeira
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
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 drier, and fruitier.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Seyval Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Similar but more oaky
Adds barrel character, toast and a creamier texture.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Chenin Blanc
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.
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.
Furmint
Furmint 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.
Finger Lakes Riesling
Finger Lakes Riesling scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and fruitier.
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.
Aidani
Aidani scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be more aromatic, and lighter in alcohol.
Alsace Riesling
Alsace Riesling 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.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, and lighter in alcohol.
Seyval Blanc
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Pinot Grigio
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Similar but more floral
Pushes specifically towards rose, violet, blossom and elderflower character.
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.
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.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be less floral, and drier.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and less floral.
Sémillon
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 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 drier, and fruitier.
Palomino Fino
Both come from the same country.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and softer and rounder.
Silvaner
Silvaner scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
Sémillon
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.
Petite Arvine
Petite Arvine scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Gros Manseng
Gros Manseng scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and more aromatic.
Malvasia
Malvasia scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be fruitier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Petit Manseng
Petit Manseng 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.
Pinot Grigio
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and lighter in alcohol.
Chenin Blanc
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.
Pinot Gris
Pinot Gris scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and drier.
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 drier, and fruitier.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, 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.
Sercial
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and fruitier.
Trebbiano Toscano
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Albana
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be lighter in alcohol, and fruitier.
Sémillon
They occupy similar territory for weight and structure.
Expect: Expect it to be rounder and creamier in texture, 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 drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
Santorini Assyrtiko
Santorini Assyrtiko scores closest to Macabeo across WineHQ’s taste dimensions.
Expect: Expect it to be drier, and rounder and creamier in texture.
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.
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.
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.