terroir

noun

ter·​roir ˌter-ˈwär How to pronounce terroir (audio)
: 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 Their biodiverse vineyards create unique terroirs that are naturally organic. Marianne Perez-Fransius, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 July 2024 As Argentina’s wine industry has matured, the distinct terroirs of specific regions have become more prominent, and at the same time, other varieties are getting a share of Malbec’s spotlight. Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 22 Sep. 2024 This festive event showcases over 25 wines from Hispanic winemakers across Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Uruguay, and the U.S. Attendees will have the chance to meet expert sommeliers and terroir specialists and learn about the unique flavors and traditions behind each wine. Charlie Vargas, Orange County Register, 12 Sep. 2024 Tequila Ocho is known for its single-estate Tequilas, each expression coming from a specific field, showcasing the unique terroir of the agave. Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 19 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for terroir 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'terroir.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of terroir was in 1863

Dictionary Entries Near terroir

Cite this Entry

“Terroir.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terroir. Accessed 12 Oct. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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