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 This wine is sourced from a unique terroir in Los Chacayes, Uco Valley, where the imposing stones have inspired something extraordinary. John Mariani, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024 To master distiller Oscar Vazquez’s deep knowledge of the Los Altos agave, terroir, and climate. Dominique Fluker, Essence, 20 Sep. 2024 The terroir of the highlands, with its unique climate and soil composition, played a crucial role in the flavor profile of the brand’s tequilas. Rachel King, Forbes, 7 Oct. 2024 Their biodiverse vineyards create unique terroirs that are naturally organic. Marianne Perez-Fransius, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 July 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 5 Nov. 2024.

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