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

Made entirely from Barbera, Nizza has a relatively brief history, but one that has brought forth a highly distinctive red wine that offers both excellent varietal purity, significant complexity and perhaps most importantly, notable aging potential. —Tom Hyland, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025

Their vine nursery was crucial to many growers’ efforts to gain access to high-quality Rhone varietal vines, which helped launch the Rhone movement in the US. —Colleen C. Myles, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024

Noun

Malbec is considered the signature grape of Argentina and is the most important varietal planted in Mendoza. —Alissa Fitzgerald, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024

Avila Beach is a gateway to the celebrated San Luis Obispo wine region, where cool-climate varietals like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay reign supreme. —Cliff Lewis, Orange County Register, 13 Dec. 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