How to Say Varietal – A Guide on Pronouncing Wine Terminology

Learning to pronounce wine words correctly can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to terms used to describe different wine varietals. If you’ve ever found yourself unsure about how to say “varietal,” fear not! This guide will provide you with all the information and examples you need to confidently pronounce this wine-related keyword. We’ll cover both formal and informal ways of saying “varietal,” and while regional variations exist, we’ll focus on the most widely accepted pronunciations. So, let’s dive in and demystify the art of saying “varietal” like a pro!

Formal Pronunciation of Varietal

In formal settings, such as wine tastings, educational courses, or professional wine publications, it’s essential to pronounce “varietal” accurately. The correct way to say it is:

vuh-RY-uh-tuhl

Here’s a breakdown of the pronunciation for each syllable:

• vuh – The “vuh” sound is similar to the beginning of the word “vase.”
• RY – This part sounds like the word “ree.”
• uh – Pronounce “uh” as the short sound made by the letter “a” in “about.”
• tuhl – The final syllable sounds like “tuhl,” similar to “turtle” without the ‘r’.

Remember to pronounce each syllable individually but in a smooth sequence to maintain a refined and formal tone.

Informal Pronunciation of Varietal

In casual conversations or everyday contexts, you’ll often hear more relaxed variants of the term “varietal.” These informal pronunciations prioritize ease of pronunciation while still remaining recognizable. The most common way to say “varietal” informally is:

vuh-RYE-tuhl

The informal pronunciation differs from the formal one mainly in the emphasis on syllables. Here’s how to pronounce it:

• vuh – Pronounced like the beginning of the word “vase,” just like in the formal version.
• RYE – The “RYE” part rhymes with the word “sky.”
• tuhl – Similar to the formal version, pronounce “tuhl” as “tuhl.”

Using the informal pronunciation maintains a friendly tone and is suitable for most casual wine conversations among friends, colleagues, or when visiting wineries.