How do you tell Chardonnay and Macabeo apart in a blind tasting?

The clearest separator between Chardonnay and Macabeo is color intensity: Chardonnay is Medium while Macabeo is Pale. Lead with that to resolve the blind call.

Is Chardonnay or Macabeo higher in color intensity?

On the WSET ladder, Chardonnay is Medium and Macabeo is Pale for color intensity.

Are Chardonnay and Macabeo red or white?

Chardonnay and Macabeo are both white grape varieties.

Chardonnay vs Macabeo — how to tell them apart

Structure compared

Structure compared	Chardonnay	Macabeo
Acidity	Medium	Medium(+)
Body	Medium(+)	Medium
Alcohol	Medium	Medium
Color intensity	Medium	Pale
Aromatic intensity	Medium	Medium

Signature aromas

Chardonnay

lemonapplestone fruit

Macabeo

applelemon peelfennel

Common questions

How do you tell Chardonnay and Macabeo apart in a blind tasting?: The clearest separator between Chardonnay and Macabeo is color intensity: Chardonnay is Medium while Macabeo is Pale. Lead with that to resolve the blind call.
Is Chardonnay or Macabeo higher in color intensity?: On the WSET ladder, Chardonnay is Medium and Macabeo is Pale for color intensity.
Are Chardonnay and Macabeo red or white?: Chardonnay and Macabeo are both white grape varieties.