Macabeu B
Name of the variety in France
Macabeu
Origin
This variety is originally from Spain, probably from Catalonia. Based on published genetic analyses, Macabeu would be the result of crossbreeding Gibi and Brustiano faux.
Synonyms
In the European Union, Macabeu is officially called by other names: Macabeo (Spain), Maccabeau (Greece) and Viura (Spain). These synonyms are officially recognized in France regarding plant propagation material.
Legal information
In France, Macabeu is officially listed in the "Catalogue of vine varieties" on the A list and classified. This variety is also listed in the catalogues of other Member States of the European Union: Greece and Spain.
Use
Wine grape variety.
Evolution of cultivated areas in France
1958 1968 1979 1988 1998 2008 2018
ha 4429 5975 7077 7621 5771 3536 1636
Descriptive elements
The identification is based on:
- the tip of the young shoot with a very high density of prostrate hairs,
- the shoots with internodes which are often flattened and fasciated,
- the large light green adult leaves with five lobes, a slightly open or closed petiole sinus, no anthocyanin coloration of veins, a shiny involute on the edges leaf blade, and on the lower side of the leaves, a high density of prostrate hairs,
- the round-shaped berries.
Genetic profile
Microsatellite VVS2 VVMD5 VVMD7 VVMD27 VRZAG62 VRZAG79 VVMD25 VVMD28 VVMD32
Allel 1 131 232 239 186 188 244 238 235 249
Allel 2 143 234 239 191 188 258 240 257 255
Phenology
Bud burst: 9 days after Chasselas.
Grape maturity: late-season, 4 weeks after Chasselas.
Suitability for cultivation and agronomic production
Macabeu is a productive, vigorous variety with an erect bearing and must be pruned short. It is sensitive to the wind. Planting in cool and humid areas, along with too dry soil should be avoided as the variety can be subject to apoplexy and early leaf drop.
Susceptibility to diseases and pests
Macabeu is rather sensitive to mites, grey rot and bacterial necrosis.
Technological potentiality
The bunches are very large and the berries medium to large in size. Depending on growing conditions, Macabeu can be used to produce sparkling wines, sweet wines or dry white wine. The dry white wines and sparkling wines are light, pleasant but are often lacking acidity and a bit of finesse. The aromas (sometimes with fennel notes) are also not very intense.
Clonal selection in France
The ten certified Macabeu clones carry the numbers 630, 631, 632, 633, 706, 735, 736, 737, 789 and 1025. A conservatory of sixty or so clones was planted in the French department of Pyrénées-Orientales between 1979 and 1980. An other conservatory of 60 clones was planted in the French department of Aude in 2010.
Bibliographic references
- Catalogue des variétés et clones de vigne cultivés en France. Collectif, 2007, Ed. IFV, Le Grau-du-Roi, France.
- Documentary collections of the Centre de Ressources Biologiques de la Vigne de Vassal-Montpellier, INRAE - Institut Agro | Montpellier, Marseillan, France.
- Dictionnaire encyclopédique des cépages et de leurs synonymes. P. Galet, 2015, Ed. Libre&Solidaire, France.
- Traité général de viticulture, Ampélographie. P. Viala and V. Vermorel, 1901-1909, Ed. Masson, Paris, France.
Description of clones certified in France
Identity and availability Agronomic data Technological data Autres informations
Clone no. Marque Origin Selection Year of
certification
Agronomic
references
Surface area used
for propagation (year)
Fertility Production
level
Bunch
weight
Vigor Berry
size
Susceptibility
to grey rot
Sugar
level
Color
potential
Titrable
acidity
Tannic
structure
Aromatic
intensity
Oenological
suitability
New General
note
Agro-tecnic
note
Note
agronomique
Agronomic
note
Links
630 Pyrénées-Orientales ENTAV 1979 Roussillon 0.73 ha medium medium medium medium to high medium to high representative wines of the variety
631 Pyrénées-Orientales ENTAV 1979 Roussillon 0.73 ha low low to medium medium medium representative wines of the variety
632 Pyrénées-Orientales ENTAV 1979 Roussillon 0.15 ha medium medium medium irregular representative wines of the variety
633 Pyrénées-Orientales ENTAV 1979 Roussillon 0.19 ha medium to high medium medium high representative wines of the variety
706 Pyrénées-Orientales ENTAV 1980 Roussillon 0.26 ha medium low to medium representative wines of the variety
735 Pyrénées-Orientales INRA 1981 Aude
Roussillon
0.53 ha medium medium medium medium to high representative wines of the variety
736 Pyrénées-Orientales INRA 1981 Aude
Roussillon
0.18 ha medium medium medium medium representative wines of the variety
737 Pyrénées-Orientales INRA 1981 Aude
Roussillon
medium medium medium medium representative wines of the variety
789 Pyrénées-Orientales ENTAV 1984 Roussillon 0.45 ha medium to high high high low representative wines of the variety
1025 Pyrénées-Orientales ENTAV 1995 Roussillon medium medium medium medium medium representative wines of the variety