varietal

[ vuh-rahy-i-tl ]

adjective

1. of, pertaining to, designating, or characteristic of a variety.
2. constituting a variety.
3. (in U.S. winemaking) designating a wine made entirely or chiefly from one variety of grape.

noun

1. a varietal wine named for such a grape ( generic ).

varietal

/ vəˈraɪɪtəl /

adjective

1. of, relating to, characteristic of, designating, or forming a variety, esp a biological variety

noun

1. a wine labelled with the name of the grape from which it is pressed

Derived Forms

• vaˈrietally, adverb

Other Words From

• va·rie·tal·ly adverb
• inter·va·rie·tal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of varietal¹

First recorded in 1865–70; variet(y) + -al ¹

Example Sentences

Whether you’re drinking wine straight from the can or pouring it into a camp cup, there are delicious options on the market with various varietals and price points.

From Outside Online

Instead of hiding behind the vague title of “red wine vinegar,” Katz highlights specific grape varietals like pinot noir and late-harvest zinfandel.

From Eater

He experimented with different recipes and tried different combinations of the seven or eight local grape varietals suitable for wine.

From The Daily Beast

Wine pairings are available — including a short-pour version for those driving home after dinner — and include plenty of Virginian varietals from RdV Vineyards, Early Mountain Vineyards and beyond.

From Washington Post

Nestled within grape-rich Sansretour Valley, Castel Ravello produces the world’s finest Erveluce and Pomino varietals.

From Washington Post

Climate change is making this varietal harder to grow, at least with the same result, Veseth tells The Daily Beast.

From The Daily Beast

Choose carefully and this soft, plummy varietal can enthrall like a fine Cabernet Sauvignon.

From The Daily Beast

This producer makes more Vermentino than any other producer, so clearly they know their varietal.

From The Daily Beast

It is very rare in varietal vineyards and not known to nurserymen.

From Project Gutenberg

It is very rare in varietal vineyards and hardly known to nurserymen.

From Project Gutenberg

The remainder are to be considered as varietal forms of a very trifling departure from the type, or as hybrids.

From Project Gutenberg

Excelsior is to-day rather rare in varietal vineyards and is apparently not offered for sale by any nurserymen.

From Project Gutenberg

It is still to be found in many varietal vineyards but is now offered for sale by but few nurserymen.

From Project Gutenberg