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

There are many species of grapevines, but only one, Vitis vinifera, supplies the wine that is recommended by a sommelier.

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

These methods are also inextricably bound to climate change, as hybrids require significantly less tilling and agricultural inputs than their Vitis vinifera counterparts.

From Salon • Oct. 30, 2022

Frank was proved right, and today vinifera is grown successfully not just in New York but all along the East Coast.

From Washington Post • Jul. 14, 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.