A French language term for all the characteristics of the vineyard site thought to be imparted to a particular wine. It is a term that includes geographic, geological, climatic and other attributes that can affect an area of growth as small as a few square meters.
Terroir effects of a unique viticultural area can produce unique wine characteristics that cannot be duplicated from other areas. Major components of terroir are: soil, climate, topography, hydrology and geology. Desirable terroir effects can enhance the intrinsic value of a wine.