Macabeo

Identity and pedigree

The Vitis International Variety Catalogue (VIVC) lists this variety under number 13127 with the prime name VIURA, white berries and Spain as country of origin.¹ Among its 41 synonyms VIVC marks Macabeo as the official name in Spain; others include Macabeu, Alcanon and Lardot.¹ Viura and Macabeo are therefore two names for one variety, not two varieties.

The pedigree confirmed by DNA markers is Heben × Brustiano Faux.¹ VIVC links Xarel·lo to the same two parent passports.³

In sparkling wine

In Cava the rules authorise five white varieties (Macabeo (Viura), Xarel·lo, Parellada, Malvasía (Subirat Parent), Chardonnay) and four red ones (Garnacha Tinta, Monastrell, Pinot Noir, Trepat). A rosé base must contain at least 25% red grapes.⁴

The Cava rulebook describes it as follows: "Los vinos de Macabeo son ligeros y frescos, con aromas a frutas y flores blancas" (Macabeo wines are light and fresh, with aromas of fruit and white flowers).²

Corpinnat divides its varieties into historic ones, at least 90% of the blend (Macabeo, Parellada, Xarel·lo, Garnacha, Monastrell, Sumoll, Xarel·lo Rosado), and non-historic ones, up to 10% (Malvasia de Sitges, Trepat, and Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, which are being phased out).⁵ Macabeo is also on the Classic Penedès list.⁶