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

The rosary-design rose garden features a Dorothy Perkins varietal climbing against formal boxwoods. —Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 26 June 2024

The varietal and terroir being protected was Syrah and the Northern Rhone respectively. —Johnny Noakes, Hartford Courant, 14 Apr. 2024

Noun

The syrah is a stunning example of the varietal and a fitting homage to the land that launched Anderson’s passion for the grape. —David Rosoff, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2024

Luis Guzmán from Wine Explorers particularly appreciates the region’s white wines, like the Pedro Ximenez, Torrontés, and Sauvignon Blanc varietals. —Marianne Perez-Fransius, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 July 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