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 There are many different factors that go into how a whiskey tastes, and some would argue that the barrel is the most impactful and that the act of distillation eliminates any element of terroir (Ireland’s Waterford Whisky would forcefully beg to differ, however). Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 30 June 2024 The geographical location, in addition to providing winery visitors with alluring views and soothing noises of wildlife and nature, boasts one of the most unique terroirs in Washington. Brianna Kamienski, USA TODAY, 9 June 2024 Since Hargrave planted the first vines in 1973 winemakers have been zeroing in on the varietals that thrive in the region’s unique terroir—Riesling, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Petit Verdot and my favorite, Cabernet Franc being some of the best. Johnny Noakes, Hartford Courant, 20 May 2024 It is said that the terroir nearby makes the basil taste better – this may or may not be true, but the pesto is certainly delicious. Nick Hendry, theweek, 25 Apr. 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 15 Jul. 2024.

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