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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Each release, however, was aged in a different warehouse in an attempt to showcase a sense of terroir that comes from the particular climate and environment in which the barrels are stored. Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 15 Oct. 2025 The terroir of the Oda Family Winery stretches across Western Georgia, an area known for its limestone soil. Jessica Jungbauer, Vogue, 6 Oct. 2025 Using pure well water, wild yeasts (some propagated from its own fruit trees and beehives), local and heirloom grains, hops, and fruits, and house sour cultures, the brewery creates, ages, blends and bottles unique, small-batch beers exhibiting the wildness of Oregon terroir. Ben Davidson Correspondent, Oc Register, 24 Sep. 2025 Like tequila and mezcal, Mexican whisky’s flavor reflects its own unique terroir, as well as the production and aging processes. Allyson Reedy, Denver Post, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for terroir

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

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Cite this Entry

“Terroir.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terroir. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

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