terroir

noun

ter·​roir ˌter-ˈwär 

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

The unique Andean terroir … provides Bolivian winemakers with … a unique product as the result.

—Marianne Perez-Fransius

also : a similar combination of factors that affects the characteristic flavor of other beverages or foods or their ingredients

As with wine, terroir can influence the taste of tequila.

—Lauren Hubbard

Examples of terroir in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

So began a lifelong exploration of the relationship between wine and place that amounts to one of the more comprehensive explorations of terroir of any grape producer in California. — Patrick Comiskey, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026

According to the brand, the tequila is made using Blue Weber agaves that were grown in different terroirs in Mexico to create a layered flavor profile. — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 27 July 2026

The experience focuses on terroir and craftsmanship, the combination of climate, elevation, soil, cultivar and the skill of the tea maker. — Jill Barth, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

This modern methodology, also frequently employed by ascendent jazz jammers SML, adds artful friction to the Prairiewolf terroir. — Reed Jackson, SPIN, 17 July 2026

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
• alvar
• bazaar
• bizarre
• boxcar
• boyar
• bulbar
• cachar
• cigar