varietal

1 of 2

adjective

va·​ri·​e·​tal və-ˈrī-ə-tᵊl 

1

: of, relating to, or characterizing a variety

varietal names

also : being a variety in distinction from an individual or species

varietal corn

2

: of a varietal wine (see varietal entry 2 sense 1)

varietal grapes

varietal blends

varietal

2 of 2

noun

plural varietals

1

or varietal wine : a wine (such as merlot) bearing the name of the principal grape variety from which it is produced

Brothers Ross and Bill Spence established Matua in 1973 and were the first to bottle Sauvignon Blanc in New Zealand. Today, the winery produces a range of varietals at varying price points.

—Alison Napjus

Zinfandel works as a stand-alone, 100-percent varietal wine and also lends itself to blending.

—James Laube

2

: a grape variety that is used to produce a varietal wine

The grape, which produces lush fruit flavors of boysenberry and blackberry, along with vibrant acidity, it is without question Argentina's lead varietal.

—James Molesworth

Examples of varietal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Lenz Winery Lenz Winery has operated in Peconic since 1978 with a focus on varietal expression and low-intervention winemaking. —Rachel King, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025

Training includes varietal pronunciation, flavor notes and food pairing suggestions. —Rachel King, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025

Noun

While the Willamette Valley—and Oregon in general—is known for making World-Class Chardonnay, this AVA is getting even more serious about the varietal. —Emily Cappiello, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025

Their intimate cellar offers tastings of unfiltered, organic varietals, including a refreshing pet-nat reminiscent of strawberries and cream. —Michaela Trimble, Vogue, 28 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

variety + -al entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1866, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1941, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing varietal

• varietal wine

Rhymes for varietal

• centripetal
• acetyl
• bimetal
• decretal
• beetle
• fetal
• foetal