Residual Soil

Residual Soil is the result of weathering and decomposition of rocks.

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Gravel

Gravel soil is pebble soil that has good drainage but poor fertility.

Plants in gravel soil must penetrate deeply to find nutrients in the subsoil.

Wine from clay subsoil have less acidity than those from limestone subsoil.

Best known Regions:

• Graves and Sauternes in Bordeaux (France)
• Côtes du Rhône South (France)

In Loire, this soil appears in the form of alluvia (sediment deposited by waterways) on the banks of the Loire, the Cher and the Arnon, and is particularly common in the Quincy wine region.

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Loess

Loess is a sediment of accumulated wind-blown dust of sand and silt cemented by clay and lime.

It is defined as 20% clay with roughly 40% sand and 40% silt.

Loess is pronounced luss and means "loose". It is commonly known as "brickearth" in the UK.

Loess is porous and permeable, great for root penetration, and full of nutrients giving minerality to the vines. It is very fertile and has good water retention and warming properties, but drains poorly.

Best known Regions:

• Nahe, Pfalz, Rheingau and Baden (Germany)
• Wagram (Austria)
• Walla Walla in Washington (USA)
• Hawkes Bay (New Zealand)

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Alluvial Soil

Alluvial Soil (Alluvium / Alluvial Deposit) is loose clay, silt, sand or gravel that has been deposited by running water. You will find it along rivers, in floodplains and deltas, stream terraces, and in areas called alluvial fans.

Alluvial soils are formed by flooding. Because floods periodically deposit new sediments, alluvial soils can have a unique layered look where dark and light colors alternate, along with assorted sizes of gravel particles.

Because a lot of organic material is carried by water, alluvial soils are very fertile. Some vinemakers believe alluvial soils are the best.

Pros: Humus rich. Mineral rich. Very fertile.

Cons: Poor water retention.

Best known Regions:

• Rhine floodplans (Germany)
• Danube River (Austria)
• Ebro River in Rioja (Spain)
• Napa Valley (USA)
• Mendoza (Argentina)
• Aconcagua Valley (Chile)

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Colluvial Soil

Colluvial Soil (Colluvium / Colluvial Material) is a soil of loose sediments that have been deposited in hillslopes by either rainwash, floodwash, slow continuous downslope creep, or a combination of these.

Alluvial vs. Colluvial

Colluvial Soil (Colluvium / Colluvial Material) is formed by gravity.

Alluvial Soil (Alluvium / Alluvial Deposit) is formed by water.

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Maremma Soil

Maremma soil refers to the soil found in the Maremma region of Tuscany, Italy.

The diversity of soil types in the Maremma region makes it an exciting area for viticulture, as different vineyards can produce wines with distinct characteristics, even within the same general location.

The unique combination of soil, climate, and topography in Maremma gives the wines from this area a distinctive identity within Tuscany. The soils in the Maremma vineyards are typically a mix of the following:

• Clay and Silt
  Clay and silt soils retain moisture and can help vines endure the hot Mediterranean climate.

• Sandstone and Limestone
  Parts of the Maremma region feature soils rich in sandstone and limestone. Limestone, in particular, is associated with producing higher-quality wines.

• Volcanic Influence
  Some areas of Maremma have volcanic soil influences, especially in regions closer to the ancient volcanic zones.

• Alluvial Soils
  Near river valleys and coastal plains, you’ll find alluvial soils, which are nutrient-rich and often composed of loam, sand, and gravel.