vinifera

American  

[vahy-nif-er-uh, vi-] / vaɪˈnɪf ər ə, vɪ- /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or derived from a European grape, Vitis vinifera, widely cultivated for making wine and raisins and for table use.

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noun

1. a vinifera grape.

Etymology

Origin of vinifera

1895–1900; < New Latin, feminine of Latin vīnifer wine-producing. See vini-, -fer

Example Sentences

But according to Jones, it may be a mistake to write muscadine wines off as inferior to their vinifera counterparts.

From Salon • Apr. 2, 2024

In regions where temperatures are climbing, muscadines could someday provide an alternative to vinifera varieties.

From Salon • Apr. 2, 2024

Centuries later, Spanish missionaries and conquistadors introduced European vinifera vines to the Americas, Dutch traders planted vineyards in South Africa, and British colonists brought vines to Australia and New Zealand.

From Washington Post • Mar. 2, 2023

In 1980, there were fewer than 20 wineries in Washington and much of Stimson Lane’s inventory included wines from fruit other than the classic vinifera grapes that had transformed California into a rising power.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 12, 2022

The roots of some species of the grape are soft and succulent as those of V. vinifera, while the same organs in other species, as in most American grapes, are hard and fibrous.

From Manual of American Grape-Growing by Hedrick, U. P.