Macabeo

White

Macabeo is a versatile Spanish white grape that produces everything from simple, crisp everyday wines to complex, oak-aged expressions with remarkable longevity. Known as Viura in Rioja and Maccabeu in southern France, this variety demonstrates exceptional adaptability across different winemaking styles and terroirs.

Key Characteristics

  • Late budding and late ripening cycle
  • High natural productivity requiring yield management
  • Excellent blending partner in sparkling wines
  • Capable of both fresh and age-worthy styles
  • Thick-skinned berries with good structure

Typical Flavors

Green appleCitrus zestWhite flowersMineral notesHoney (aged examples)AlmondHerbaceous undertones

Major Regions

Castilla-La Mancha · Spain · Cataluña · Spain (Cava production) · Rioja · Spain · Aragón · Spain · Roussillon · France · Valencia · Spain · Navarra · Spain

Also Known As

Charas Blanc (California) · Lardot (Drôme in France) · Macabeu

Overview