Agriculture

How does a crop’s environment shape a food’s smell and taste?

Scientists explore whether terroir leaves a lasting imprint

New Zealand wine grape field

Soil, climate and microbes may shape the flavor of crops like wine grapes, shown growing in New Zealand.

nazar_ab/iStock/Getty Images Plus

By Carolyn Beans

- More than 2 years ago

About seven years ago, Kristin and Josh Mohagen were honeymooning in Napa Valley in California, when they smelled something surprising in their glasses of Cabernet Sauvignon: green pepper.