Grape Of The Week: Macabeo

The primary blending grape in Cava, Macabeo is most commonly found in Catalunya, Spain. Also known as Viura in Rioja, Macabeo is the fifth most planted grape in Spain. Found in various wines ranging from dry, sweet, still, and sparkling wines, Macabeo tends to be fresh and aromatic with notes of honeydew, lime peel, lemon verbena, tarragon, and hazelnut. Enjoy alongside grilled shrimp, coconut curries, or roasted meats.

Macabeo Wines

Agusti Torello Mata Cava Brut Reserva 2018

This bubbly, organic blend of Macabeo, Parellada and Xarel-lo is an excellent example of what Cava can be. The nose is clean and fruity with hints of apple, caramel and fresh herbs.

Castellroig Corpinnat Brut NV

This fresh, bright, organic sparkler is deliciously dry and crisp with notes of apple and peach. Light and spry on the palate, it’s a fun accompaniment to everything.

Domaine de Rancy Rivesaltes Ambre 2001

After an amazing harvest in 2001, this fortified dessert wine was put in a barrel where it sat for 12 years. The lengthy barrel aging results in an extremely complex wine with notes of dried fruits, nuts, caramel and hints of oranges and apricots.

Gil Berzal Recoveco Rioja Blanco 2018

This is an organic blend of Viura and Malvasia grown biodynamically on a single plot in some of the best terroir in Rioja. Unfined, unfiltered, this dry, succulent white opens with subtle aromas of tropical fruit, apple, and white flowers that explode with notes of anise, fresh brioche, and sweet herbs. 

Pares Balta Cava Pink NV

This organic and biodynamic cava has smooth bubbles and a touch of pure red fruits that bring more complexity to this fresh and crispy sparkling wine. Aromas of strawberry and raspberry that develop into a wonderfully intense and concentrated finish with a spicy background on the palate.