Short definition
The complete natural environment where grapes grow — soil, climate, altitude, and aspect — that shapes a wine's character.
Terroir explains why [Pinot Noir](/wines/pinot-noir) from Burgundy tastes nothing like [Pinot Noir](/wines/pinot-noir) from Oregon. Same grape, different soil, different climate, different result. It includes everything nature provides: limestone versus clay, maritime versus continental weather, south-facing slope versus flat plain. French winemakers consider terroir sacred. New World producers are divided on how much it matters versus winemaking technique.