Varietal is a term used in viticulture and the wine industry to refer to a wine made primarily from a single grape variety. In the US this means that at least 75% of the grapes used to make the wine come from a single grape variety, with the remaining 25% being other grapes allowed in the blend by law or winemaker preference. Varietal wines are common in the wine industry and are known for their distinct flavor profiles and characteristics. Varietals also refer to the various wine grapes themselves.
The concept of varietal wines can be traced back to the late 19th century in Europe, when advances in viticulture and winemaking techniques allowed for more precise control over the characteristics of wines. Prior to this time, wines were often made from a blend of different grape varieties, with little attention paid to the specific characteristics of each grape.
Varietal grapes are a type of grape that is grown specifically to make varietal wines. These grapes are chosen for their unique flavor profiles and characteristics, which can be influenced by factors such as the climate, soil, and topography of the region in which they are grown. Some varietal grapes are more well-known than others, such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, while others are lesser-known but still important to the wine industry, such as Mourvèdre and Viognier. The cultivation of varietal grapes requires a high level of attention to detail, as winemakers must carefully monitor the growing conditions and harvest the grapes at the optimal time to ensure that they produce high-quality wines with the desired flavor profiles.
In the early 20th century, varietal wines began to gain popularity in Europe and the United States. The term “varietal” was first used in the United States in the 1940s to describe wines made from a single grape variety, and the practice of labeling wines with the grape variety became common in the 1960s.
Today, varietal wines are produced in wine regions around the world and are a popular choice among consumers. Some of the most popular varietals include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc.
One of the main benefits of producing varietal wines is that it allows winemakers to showcase the unique characteristics of each grape variety. For example, Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its dark fruit flavors, high tannins, and full body, while Pinot Noir is known for its lighter body and delicate red fruit flavors.
In addition to allowing winemakers to showcase specific grape varieties, varietal wines also provide consumers with a level of consistency and predictability. By law, varietal wines must contain at least 75% of the named grape variety, which means that consumers can generally expect a certain flavor profile and set of characteristics from a varietal wine labeled with a specific grape variety.
While varietal wines are popular, they are not without their criticisms. Some argue that the focus on varietal wines has led to a homogenization of wine styles, with winemakers around the world producing wines with similar flavor profiles in an attempt to appeal to a global market.
Others argue that the focus on varietal wines has led to a lack of diversity in the wine industry, with lesser-known grape varieties being overlooked in favor of more popular ones. This has led some winemakers to focus on producing wines from obscure or forgotten grape varieties in an attempt to preserve diversity in the wine industry.
Despite these criticisms, varietal wines remain an important part of the wine industry and a popular choice among consumers. The ability to showcase specific grape varieties and provide consistency and predictability has helped to make varietal wines a staple of the wine industry for over a century.
In summary, varietal is a term used in the wine industry to refer to a wine made primarily from a single grape variety. The concept of varietal wines can be traced back to the late 19th century in Europe, but gained popularity in the United States in the 1940s and 1960s. Today, varietal wines are produced in wine regions around the world and are known for their ability to showcase the unique characteristics of each grape variety. While varietal wines are not without their criticisms, they remain an important part of the wine industry and a popular choice among consumers.
Wine is sunlight, held together by water.”- Galileo Galilei
