terroir

noun

ter·​roir ˌter-ˈwär 

: the combination of factors including soil, climate, and sunlight that gives wine grapes their distinctive character

Examples of terroir in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This elite group of award-winning Chardonnays reflects the breadth of global excellence in winemaking—from Grand Cru vineyards in Burgundy to high-elevation sites in Argentina, as well as iconic Australian and Californian terroirs. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025

Some vineyards are even experimenting with Italian grapes such as sangiovese and montepulciano, lending Old World flavors and accents to the region’s distinctly Southern terroir. —Claire Volkman, Travel + Leisure, 25 July 2025

Vik’s terroir encompasses a pristine landscape composed of 12 valleys, each with its own microclimate and distinct exposures, and all cooled by Pacific coastal breezes and winds from high in the Andes. —Alexandra Kirkman, Fortune, 22 July 2025

This is an impressive wine that is an excellent example of Oakville terroir. —Tom Hyland, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, land, country, stretch of land in reference to its agricultural features, from Old French tieroir, from Vulgar Latin *terratorium, alteration of Latin territorium

First Known Use

1863, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for terroir

• adar
• afar
• ajar
• alar
• ansar
• bazaar
• bizarre
• boxcar
• boyar
• bulbar
• cachar
• cigar