Hot Topic: Macabeo

Macabeo
[mah-kah-BEH-oh]
The most widely cultivated white variety in Spain and the most important white grape in the RIOJA region, where it's called Viura. It's because of Macabeo's higher yields (and not the quality of its wines) that this variety is pushing out the more traditional white grapes used in Rioja white wines-MALVASIA and Garnacha Blanca (GRENACHE). Macabeo-based wines are generally LIGHT, high in ACID, slightly FLORAL and fairly fruity. Their AROMA and flavor dissipate very early, however, so they should be drunk quite young. Macabeo is often blended with XAREL-LO and PARELLADA to make SPARKLING WINES. Macabeo is also grown in southern France, where it's the sole variety in the CÔTES DU ROUSSILLON Blanc. This grape is also known as Maccabeu, Lardot, and Alcanol.