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

Or by varietal grape, like Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache or Chardonnay. —John Mariani, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2024

Each of these wines is aged in large casks, and displays outstanding varietal purity, restraint and finesse. —Tom Hyland, Forbes, 21 Sep. 2024

Noun

Napa Valley attracts almost 4 million wine enthusiasts a year thanks to its rolling hills, picturesque vineyards, and, of course, world-class wines—most notably its signature varietal, cabernet sauvignon. —Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 2 Nov. 2024

After taking in a performance, pop in to Barrister Winery, a former auto warehouse that today pours Washington varietals, like Cabernet Sauvignon from the Walla Walla Valley. —Jacqueline Kehoe, Travel + Leisure, 6 Oct. 2024

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