Macabeo

Macabeo, called Viura in Rioja and Macabeu or Maccabéo in parts of France, is one of northern Spain's most important white grape varieties. Viura is the classic Rioja name, while Macabeu is common in Catalonia; Macabeo is the broadly recognised Spanish and international form.

It can produce fresh, gently floral dry whites, ageworthy Rioja whites and an important base for Cava. Typical aromas include citrus, apple, pear, white flowers, herbs and, with ageing, honeyed or nutty tones.

What does Macabeo taste like?

Macabeo usually shows lemon, green apple, pear and delicate floral notes, often with moderate aroma and refreshing acidity. When picked early, it gives crispness and a clean profile for sparkling wines.

In more serious dry whites, especially under the name Viura in Rioja, it can gain texture, spice, honey and nutty complexity with lees or oak ageing.

Macabeo, Macabeu and Viura: where is it grown?

Macabeo is widely planted in Spain, especially Rioja, Catalonia, Aragón and Valencia. In Rioja it is known as Viura and is the dominant white grape for many white Rioja wines.

It is also important in Cava production and appears across the border in southern France as Macabeu or Maccabéo. Its identity depends strongly on region and winemaking style.

Which Macabeo styles are there?

Macabeo can make crisp, unoaked dry white wines with citrus and apple fruit. It is also a key grape for traditional-method sparkling wines, especially Cava.

In Rioja, Viura can produce richer, barrel-aged whites with nutty, honeyed and savoury complexity. These more structured wines can develop well with bottle age.


What food pairs with Macabeo?

Fresh Macabeo pairs well with tapas, seafood, grilled fish, paella, tortilla, salads and young cheeses. Sparkling Cava styles are excellent with fried snacks, shellfish and salty appetisers.

Oak-aged Viura suits roast chicken, creamy rice dishes, mushrooms, cod, pork and mature cheeses, where its texture and savoury notes have room to show.

Buy Macabeo wine online

Macabeo is a versatile Spanish white grape that can be crisp, sparkling, softly floral or impressively ageworthy under the name Viura.

Browse our Macabeo wines to discover fresh everyday whites, Cava-friendly styles and more complex Rioja whites with depth and texture.




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