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

Grapes are sourced from Cakebread’s diverse terroirs across Napa Valley and vinified under the watchful eye of winemaker Niki Williams. —Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 18 Dec. 2025

The family-run operation uses potatoes from neighboring farms to create a premium vodka shaped by the terroir. —Teddy Minford, Vogue, 15 Dec. 2025

As for cocktails, director of beverage François Cavelier signs a drinks menu that rotates quarterly to explore spirits terroirs. —Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 24 Nov. 2025

The project stems from the director’s gastronomic passion for white truffle and its connection with terroir and tradition. —Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 6 Nov. 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