varietal

1 of 2

adjective

va·​ri·​e·​tal və-ˈrī-ə-tᵊl How to pronounce varietal (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Of course, site selection is as under the microscope as varietal choice. Paul Caputo, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026 These factors create wines with vibrant acidity, intense aromatics and exceptional varietal purity, according to the Cihlars. Michael Johnson, Twin Cities, 23 Feb. 2026
Noun
While Haarmeyer is famous for making local Chenin Blanc a wine industry darling, Sanchez instead pours his Blau-Blau Blaufrankisch, an Austrian red varietal, and his Victor Weisser Gemischter Satz. Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 3 July 2026 Winemakers are also crafting single-varietal selections from these three grapes and from Maturana Tinta and Garnacha (Grenache) as well. Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for varietal

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of varietal was in 1866

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Cite this Entry

“Varietal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/varietal. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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