Macabeo

Also commonly called Viura in Rioja and Macabeu or Maccabéo in France 

Macabeo is a white variety popular in Spain. It is most commonly used for producing dry and sparkling wines but can occasionally produce sweet wines. 

Grape Characteristics. 

Depending on the winemaking processes Macabeo can produce fresh, crisp relatively neutral wines or if aged in oak the wines can have beautiful honey and nutty notes. 

One noticeable feature of Macabeo is its high resveratrol level, an antioxidant that makes it relatively resistant to oxidation. This makes it a good variety for oak ageing as it takes on the flavours from the barrels without the natural oxygen ingress ruining the wine. Its high acidity means the wines can age brilliantly and also adds to the crisp linear structure of the wines. 

Key Regions: 

Spain

Likely to have originated from Spain its homeland and the vast majority of plantings are still here. 

 Rioja 

Here the grape is called Viura and it is used to produced Rioja’s lesser-known white wines. It is by far the most planted white grape in the region. It is commonly oak-aged giving a toasty character and its high acid means that the wines can age brilliantly. 

Catalonia

Catalonia is the home of Cava, however, Cava can actually be produced all over Spain. Macabeo is one of the three key varieties used in Cava along with Xarel-lo and Parellada. 

France

Where it is called Maccabeu or Maccabéo

Languedoc-Roussillon

Across the Pyrenees, Macabeo is grown in the Languedoc-Roussillon but mainly in the latter part. It is also permitted in the production of the fortified wines of Banyuls and Maury however, this is relatively uncommon. 

Key Flavours; Lemon, Honey, Almonds, Hazelnuts, White Blossom