Varietal
Beginner Grapes & VarietiesDefinition
A wine named after its dominant grape variety.
In Depth
New World labeling tradition: if a wine contains 75-85% (varies by country) of one grape, it can be labeled as that varietal. Varietal labeling (Chardonnay, Merlot) contrasts with Old World place-based naming (Chablis, Barolo). The word is technically an adjective ('varietal wine'), but common usage has made it a noun ('a varietal'). This labeling system revolutionized wine accessibility globally.
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Details
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- Grapes & Varieties
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- Beginner