Macabeo

White

Warm climate

Also known as Viura in Rioja

The most planted of the Cava trio, contributing freshness and floral aromatics to blends. As a still wine it produces simple, pleasant whites best enjoyed young. Oxidizes easily, so careful handling is essential.

Drink young, within 1-2 years for still wines.

Climate

Warm

Regions

5 regions

Color

White

Typical Structure & Aromas

Typical profile for this variety. Style varies by region, climate, and winemaking.

Structure

Body

Lean

Sweetness

Dry

Acidity

Crisp

OakNone

Aromas

Young

green apple white flowers citrus almond

Aged

honey dried fruit

Explore the aroma wheel →

Where Macabeo grows

Spain

Costers del Segre

Grown across all seven sub-zones, lemony and saline at altitude; the workhorse base for both still whites and traditional-method sparklers

Jumilla

Makes fresh, citrus-driven whites, often blended with Airén

Montsant

The main white grape, producing fresh, citrus-driven whites, sometimes blended with Garnacha Blanca

Penedès

Cava base grape, fresh and neutral

Valencia

Widely planted for crisp dry whites

Food Pairings

Grilled sea bass with lemon and herbs

Jamón ibérico with Manchego cheese tapas

Paella valenciana with saffron and seafood

Pan-seared scallops with cauliflower purée

Tortilla española with roasted red peppers

Grilled halibut with green olive tapenade

Want to try Macabeo? Add it to your Discoveries and tick it off when you find the right one.

Similar to Macabeo

Terret Blanc

green applewhite flowerscitrus

Welschriesling

green applewhite flowerscitrus

Parellada

green applewhite flowerscitrus

Cava Blend

green applewhite flowerscitrusalmond

Prensal Blanc

green applewhite flowersalmond

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Macabeo taste like?▼

Macabeo offers fresh, floral aromatics with notes of green apple, white flowers, citrus, and almond when young. It's known for contributing freshness and pleasant, simple flavors that are best enjoyed in youth.

Where does Macabeo grow best?▼

Macabeo thrives in warm climates and is extensively planted in Spain, particularly in Catalonia for Cava production and in Rioja where it's known as Viura. It's the most planted grape of the traditional Cava trio.

What food pairs with Macabeo?▼

With its fresh, light profile and citrus notes, Macabeo pairs well with seafood, light salads, and Mediterranean dishes. Its crisp acidity also makes it excellent as an aperitif or with shellfish and grilled fish.

How does Macabeo age?▼

Macabeo is best drunk young to preserve its fresh character, as it tends to oxidize with age. When aged, it develops honey and dried fruit aromas, though it's generally produced as simple, pleasant whites for early consumption.

Is Macabeo similar to other similar grapes?▼

Macabeo shares characteristics with other neutral white varieties like Trebbiano, offering clean, fresh profiles ideal for blending. Its role in Spanish winemaking is similar to how Pinot Blanc functions in other regions - providing freshness and structure to blends.