 - Macabeo
Macabeo is the finest quality White grape in Spain, perhaps better
known under the name of Viura. It is indeed under this name that it
is known in the Rioja, where it is in fact one of the most cultivated
grapes. In Catalonia it is again known as Macabeo and is not only the
base for some great young wines but also serves as a base for Cavas
and sparkling wines. Throughout Spain it makes up 3% of the vine. It
is not a very demanding grape as far as soil is concerned. However good
drainage and good sun exposure is indispensable in order for the grape
to mature and to avoid the presence of diseases caused by damp conditions
such as botrytis or noble rot. The Macabeo grape has a somewhat loose
bunch and a medium sized grape. A productive grape if somewhat delicate
a harvest time as it is inclined to become impoverished when affected
by excessive dampness. The grape juice will give pale fresh wines with
fruit aromatics (apple, pineapple) as well as acidity. The nobility
and quality of the grape permit further improvement with ageing in barrels
or wood, which add life body and complexity.
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