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

Beautiful varietal character; this is a classic Alto Adige Pinot Nero; peak in six to eight years, perhaps a year or two longer. —Tom Hyland, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025

According to Carney, the best wine clubs offer consumers options that fit within their flavor and/or varietal preferences, yet expand upon prior experience. —Betty Gold Kider, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 May 2025

Noun

In the center of the country, Tuscany produces Brunello di Montalcino and Chianti Classico from Sangiovese grapes, as well as Super Tuscans from Sangiovese alone or a blend of international varietals such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. —Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2025

At the same time, Beverage Director Caterina Mirabelli is energized by new varietals and emerging styles. —Chelsea Davis, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 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