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

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

Leitz was among the first producers to demonstrate that alcohol-free wines could retain freshness and varietal clarity without tipping into sweetness. —Layne Randolph, Forbes.com, 17 Jan. 2026

Noun

One section of the nursery was exclusively heirloom tomato varietals from Wild Boar Farms in Citrus Heights. —Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 27 Mar. 2026

This new version was aged for 10 years and made using spelt wheat, an ancient varietal that is said to have a sweet, nutty flavor and is often used for baking or brewing beer. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 24 Mar. 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

• centripetal
• acetyl
• bimetal
• decretal
• beetle
• fetal
• foetal