va·ri·e·tal
və-ˈrī-ə-tᵊl 
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
plural varietals
1
or varietal wine
: a wine (such as merlot) bearing the name of the principal grape variety from which it is produced
Brothers Ross and Bill Spence established Matua in 1973 and were the first to bottle Sauvignon Blanc in New Zealand. Today, the winery produces a range of varietals at varying price points.—
Alison Napjus
Alison NapjusZinfandel works as a stand-alone, 100-percent varietal wine and also lends itself to blending.—James Laube
James Laube2
: 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
James MolesworthExamples of varietal in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Tom Hyland, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Medium-bodied, there is good acidity and varietal character.
—Tom Hyland, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
Lauren Mowery, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
In the center of the country, Tuscany produces Brunello di Montalcino and Chianti Classico from Sangiovese grapes, as well as Super Tuscans from Sangiovese alone or a blend of international varietals such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc.
—Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for varietal
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Adjective
The subdued nature of this wine is very inviting, and the varietal character is spot on without announcing itself.
—Tom Hyland, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Medium-bodied, there is good acidity and varietal character.
—Tom Hyland, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
Noun
Cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay flourish, alongside Alsatian varietals and old vine Syrah.
—Lauren Mowery, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
In the center of the country, Tuscany produces Brunello di Montalcino and Chianti Classico from Sangiovese grapes, as well as Super Tuscans from Sangiovese alone or a blend of international varietals such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc.
—Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for varietal
Cite this Entry
“Varietal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/varietal. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.
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