Spanish Grapes
Macabeo
Macabeo is one of the most important white grapes in the Spain, particularly in the regions of Catalunya and Rioja.
Macabeo is a versatile grape, used in the production of both still and sparkling wines.
It is one of the 3 grapes used in Sparkling Cava: Xarello. Macabeo. Parellada.
Macabeo Flavors
Macabeo wines often exhibit a delicate and fresh aromatic profile, featuring notes of green apple, pear, citrus fruits (lemon and lime), and white flowers.
Delicate notes of Herbs, fresh-cut Grass and Pepper.
In more aged versions, aromas of honey, almond, and dried fruits can develop.
In barrel-aged wines, vanilla and toast flavors can be present.
 Lime |
 Apple |
 Pear |
 Peach |
 Herbs |
 Flowers |
 Gras |
 Pepper |
Macabeo Profile
A fresh and young Macabeo is much like a Sauvignon Blanc:
| SUGAR: | Dry (3 g/l) |
| BODY: | Medium |
| FRUIT: | Medium |
| ACIDITY: | Medium - High |
| ALCOHOL: | 12-13% ABV |
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Serving temperature: 8-10°C (46-50°F) |
Macabeo Food Pairing
Macabeo is very food friendly.
Spanish. Italian. International. Asian. Mexcican. Vegetarian.
 Salads |
 Tapas |
 Seafood |
 Carcuterie |
 Fish |
 Chicken |
 Pork |
 Veal |
Excellent Pairings
Vinegar. Zesty Salads. Asparagus.
Tapas. Appetizers. Olives.
Seafood. Prawns. Shellfish.
Grilled Fish. Grilled Squid.
Garlic. Aioli. Garlic Prawns.
Salmon. Trout. Sushi. Sashimi.
Cheeses
Goat Cheese. Feta.
Spanish Specialities
Gazpacho (Cold Vegetable Soup).
Fried Baby Squids.
The Ideal Glass for Macabeo
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The Sauvignon Blanc glass is smaller than a Chardonnay glass. It has a more narrow bowl to concentrate the crisp and citrusy aromas characteristic of zesty and fruity white wines. |
Macabeo Cheese Pairing
Macabeo is known for its crisp and fruity profile. It pairs well with a variety of cheeses.
Opt for cheeses with moderate saltiness and creaminess to balance the wine's acidity. You can also add accompaniments like fresh fruits (grapes, apples, pears), nuts (almonds, walnuts), and a light drizzle of honey to enhance the pairing.
Fresh and Mild Cheeses
Mozzarella: Its delicate flavor pairs well with the wine's lightness.
Ricotta: Especially good if served with a drizzle of honey or fresh fruits.
Goat Cheese (Chèvre): The tanginess complements the subtle fruit notes in Macabeo.
Semi-Soft Cheeses
Fontina: Its nutty, buttery qualities make a good match.
Brie: The creamy texture and mild flavor work beautifully with Macabeo.
Camembert: Similar to Brie but with slightly more earthiness.
Hard Cheeses
Asiago: Lightly aged Asiago adds a complementary tang to the wine.
Manchego: A classic Spanish pairing, especially younger Manchego, which is less intense.
Gruyère: Mildly nutty and sweet, enhancing the wine's subtlety.
Blue Cheeses (for contrast)
Robiola: Its mild creaminess contrasts nicely without overpowering the wine.
If You Like Macabeo
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Wine Region Catalunya
Catalunya is the home of the famous wine regions Priorat and Penedès.
Catalunya
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Priorat
Penedès
Penedès DO
Penedès is best known for Cava, the Spanish version of Champagne, and accounts for around 95% of the world's Cava production.
Priorat DOCa
Priorat is the star of the Catalonian region and one of the two regions in Spain (along with Rioja) to receive the top DOCa designation.
Priorat is known for its powerful red wines, often made from old-vine Garnacha and Carignan.
Monsant DO
Montsant wraps around the smaller Priorat, and is home to the same old Garnacha and Carignan vines.
It shares much with Priorat, including vines planted at high elevation in similar soils and climate. But the wines come at modest prices ("Poor Man's Priorat).
Grapes
Parellada, Macabeo and Xarel-lo are three white grape varieties which produce good quality white wines, and also marry together to create Spain’s flagship sparkling wine, Cava.
An increasing demand has pushed Spain to plant Cabernet Sauvignon in different regions such as Catalonia, Navarra and La Mancha.
In Catalonia, Cabernet Sauvignon is blended with Tempranillo, Garnacha and Monastrell.
Black Grapes | White Grapes |
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Red Wines | White Wines |
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Soil | Climate |
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Hilly |
Moderate |
Catalunian DOs
There are 11 DOs in Catalunya. More than any other region in Spain.
The most widely known and celebrated are Priorat DOCa, Penedès DO and Montsant DO:
Alella DO
Conca de Barberà DO
Costers del Segre DO
Empordà DO
Montsant DO
Penedès DO
Pla de Bages DO
Priorat DOCa
Terra Alta DO
Tarragona DO