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

These wines — sweet or dry — tend to be deeply aromatic, and they have a ripeness to them that avowed vinifera drinkers may not find immediately appealing.

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

"Anything but" the Vitis vinifera — Cabernet Sauvignon, Pais and Chardonnay — found on "classic" wine lists across the country.

From Salon • Oct. 30, 2022

Hybrids in which the vinifera blood is more attenuated, as secondary or tertiary crosses, give better results.

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