Macabeu / Macabeo
Macabeu (or Macabeo in Spanish) first appeared in Catalonia during the 17th century, then a few centuries later spread throughout Roussillon, where it is now one of the leading grape varieties. The variety is used to make Cava in Spain, but it also appears in the Rioja appellation. In France, it is authorised in the Côtes du Roussillon AOC, although is mainly used in the blends of the vins doux naturels Rivesaltes and Maury. It is most often blended with other varieties, as in the dry wines of Olivier Pithon in France, or Alvaro Palacios and Venus la Universal in Spain. Mas Amiel and Riveyrac also blend it in their vins doux naturels. The Roc des Anges and Gardiès estates offer single-varietal wines that show Macabeau in a different light. It is a grape variety reputed for its smoothness and floral or almond notes although often has rather low acidity.
