Earthy tone of European vintage (4)
I believe the answer is:
ecru
'earthy tone' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both human attributes as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'european vintage' is the wordplay.
'european' becomes 'E' (abbreviation e.g. EU).
'vintage' becomes 'cru' (e.g. grand cru).
'e'+'cru'='ECRU'
'of' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for ecru that I've seen before include "Beige shade" , "off-white" , "Shade of unbleached linen" , "Greyish white" , "Greyish-yellow colour" .)