MACABEO

A grape variety that can be found both sides of the Pyrenees

Macabeo

Also called Macabeu, Viura

It is a white grape variety found in north and eastern Spain and southern France. A relatively versatile grape, it produces both still and sparkling white wines. Macabeo produces fresh, floral and aromatic wines when harvested early and aged in stainless steel, but weighty, honeyed and nutty wines when aged in oak and harvested slightly later. It is the main variety of white Rioja, where it is locally called Viura. It is also key ingredient in the famous Cava, traditional method sparkling wines. In France it is produced in Languedoc-Roussillon, mainly in the appellations of Corbières and Minervois.

WHERE IS IT FOUND?
In France and all over the world

FRANCE

Languedoc-Roussillon

WORLDWIDE

Spain

MAIN APPELLATIONS
By type of wine: White and sparkling

Rioja, Valencia, Carinena DO (Spain); Corbières, Minervois, Côtes Catalanes (France)

Penèdes (Spain)

SHALL WE TASTE?
In the glass

dry whites

Delicately aromatic it shows lemon, grapefruit and green apple aromas on the nose. On the palate is often light and crispy with pronounced freshness.

Some more fuller bodied and richer styles with honeyed and nutty aromas can be found when they are aged in oak.

SPARKLING

The nose is fine and floral but very expressive and powerful with a certain finesse. A toasted hint, then an expression of citrus and ripe fruit. A rather lively freshness balanced by a warm sensation of honey and brioche.