Macabeo grape variety

Macabeo, also known as Viura in the Rioja region, is a white grape variety that is mainly grown in northern Spain. The wines are generally light to medium-bodied, with moderate acidity and a fresh, fruity flavour with floral notes. Macabeo can be very high-yielding, but always at the expense of quality. Strict yield reduction is therefore necessary for higher-quality specimens. The wines can be dry or semi-dry and matured in steel tanks or wooden barrels and are an important component of many Spanish cavas. Macabeo wines are an excellent accompaniment to seafood, light salads and Mediterranean dishes. The wine is often drunk young to enjoy its freshness and fruitiness, but high-quality examples can also have a certain ageing potential.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about Macabeo wine

What does a typical wine made from the Macabeo grape variety taste like?

In its young form, matured in steel tanks, a wine made from the Macabeo grape variety is pleasantly dry, light and very refreshing. It has a delicate fruitiness that is never overpowering and impresses with a clean, clear finish.

What flavours are characteristic of the Macabeo grape variety?

Nuances of green apple, citrus fruit (grapefruit) and white flowers are typical of the Macabeo grape variety. If the grapes grow in cooler locations, fine herbal notes are often added. In wines that have matured in wooden barrels, the profile changes towards beeswax, roasted almonds and honey.

What is the acidity and body structure of the Macabeo grape variety?

The Macabeo grape variety usually has a moderate to lively acidity. The body is variable: when young, it appears rather lean, but the variety has enough extract to develop an almost creamy, full-bodied mouthfeel when matured on the lees or in wood.

Where does the Macabeo grape variety originally come from?

The Macabeo grape variety is thought to have originated in the north of Spain, probably in Catalonia or Aragon. From there, it made its triumphal march across the Pyrenees to the south of France.

In which regions is the Macabeo grape variety most successfully cultivated today?

The Macabeo grape variety is the most important white grape in northern Spain. In Rioja (as Viura) it is the main variety for white wines. In Catalonia, it forms the backbone of the sparkling wine Cava. It is also very common in Languedoc-Roussillon in France as Maccabéo.

What influence does the climate have on the Macabeo grape variety?

The Macabeo grape variety is a true child of the sun. It sprouts late, which protects it from spring frosts, and copes excellently with drought. In hot regions, it only retains its freshness if it is harvested in good time - if the winegrower waits too long, the acidity quickly drops.

Which food pairing goes best with the Macabeo grape variety?

Young, fresh Macabeo is the perfect partner for seafood, grilled fish or a classic paella. Thanks to its subtle character, it does not overpower fine dishes. If you have a wood-matured Viura (Macabeo) in your glass, it goes perfectly with roast poultry, risotto or strong hard cheeses.

What is the difference between Macabeo and Viura?

There is none! Viura is simply the synonym for the Macabeo grape variety, which is used in the Rioja region. So if you read Viura on a label, you are drinking 100% Macabeo.

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