What is a varietal wine?

Unlike a blended wine, a “varietal wine” is made from a specific variety of grapes.  

For example, Riesling is made from the Riesling grape, thus making it a varietal. Different grape varieties grow better in different regions based on their environment, climate, and growing conditions. For example, Cabernet Sauvignon does well on the west coast of the U.S. because the climate is drier, warmer, and ideal for a longer ripening season. Rieslings typically fare better on the east coast of the U.S. because their white grape varieties require less time to ripen.