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

… 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 wines from regenerative fruit, the team reports, show greater complexity, freshness and varietal character. —Michelle Williams, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026

These factors create wines with vibrant acidity, intense aromatics and exceptional varietal purity, according to the Cihlars. —Michael Johnson, Twin Cities, 23 Feb. 2026

Noun

Most of his wines are more surprising or lesser known varietals, so a really fun place to just go and explore. —AFAR Media, 30 May 2026

Visit the 16th-century monastery, Panagia Tourliani, sip varietals from the wineries, and explore Gyzi Castle. —Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 27 May 2026

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

• decretal
• beetle
• fetal
• foetal
• centripetal