The Wine Reference🍷 SupportViura grape
Viura is a white grape known for apple, citrus, floral. Its best-known homes are Rioja.
Origin and history
A Spanish grape, probably from Catalonia, where it is called Macabeo; it spread to Rioja and southern France.
Where it grows
Rioja and Navarra; Penedès and Catalonia (as Macabeo, for Cava); Roussillon and Languedoc in France (as Macabeu).
Structure
Light to medium body, medium acidity and usually dry, neutral when young but taking oak and age well.
Aromas, young and aged
Young: green apple, lemon, white flowers and almond. With age: hazelnut, honey, wax and lemon curd.
Ageing
Most drink within 1–3 years; oak-aged white Rioja can age 20 years or more.
Also known as
Macabeo (Catalonia), Macabeu (Roussillon).
Good to know
López de Heredia's Viña Tondonia Blanco, mainly Viura aged for years in barrel, is famed for lasting decades.
Viura wines to try
Real bottles from The Wine Library.
Bodegas Roda Roda I Blanco
Rioja · Viura, Garnacha Blanca
Modern white Rioja: textured, mineral and finely oaked.
Food: Grilled fish, chicken
Similar white grapes
Explore all grapes in the interactive guide
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