View source for Gravel (soil)

'''Gravel (soil)''' refers to coarse, rocky soils composed of small, rounded stones and sand, often formed through glacial or alluvial deposits. In [[viticulture]], gravel [[soils]] are historically associated with [[Bordeaux]], where they are considered essential to the character of the region’s great [[red wines]].<ref>White, ''Soils for Fine Wines'', Oxford University Press, 2003.</ref>  

== Geological and Regional Context ==  
Gravel soils originate from ancient riverbeds and glacial activity, leaving deposits of stones mixed with sand and light sediment. These formations are particularly prominent on the Left Bank of [[Bordeaux]], where the term '''graves''' (from Old French for “gravel”) gave its name to the [[Graves]] appellation.<ref>Robinson (ed.), ''The Oxford Companion to Wine'', Oxford University Press, 2015.</ref>  
Outside [[France]], gravel-based [[vineyards]] are also found in parts of [[California]], [[South Africa]], and [[New Zealand]], where they play a similar role in shaping wine style.<ref>Wilson, ''Terroir: The Role of Geology, Climate, and Culture in the Making of French Wines'', University of California Press, 1998.</ref>  

== Characteristics ==  
Gravel soils are prized for their excellent [[drainage]], which prevents waterlogging and encourages deep root growth. Their capacity to retain and radiate heat helps grapes ripen fully, even in cooler climates. The poor fertility of gravel soils also limits [[vine vigour]], concentrating [[flavours]] in the grapes. Compared with heavier soils such as [[clay (soil)|clay]], gravel produces smaller yields but wines of greater intensity.<ref>White, ''Soils for Fine Wines'', Oxford University Press, 2003.</ref>  

== Influence on Wine Style ==  
The classic expression of gravel soils is seen in [[Cabernet Sauvignon]]-dominant blends from the [[Médoc]], where the combination of heat retention and drainage yields deeply coloured, tannic, and long-lived wines.<ref>Johnson & Robinson, ''The World Atlas of Wine'', 8th ed., Mitchell Beazley, 2019.</ref> In Graves itself, gravel soils also support high-quality [[Merlot]], [[Cabernet Franc]], and white varieties such as [[Sauvignon blanc]].<ref>Conseil des Vins de Graves et Sauternes, “Les sols graveleux”, vinsdegraves.com.</ref>  
Beyond Bordeaux, gravelly vineyards often contribute to wines with ripe fruit, firm [[structure]], and notable [[ageing potential]], confirming their role as one of the most important soil types in fine wine production.  

== See also ==  
* [[Soil]]  
* [[viticulture]]
* [[Graves]]  
* [[Bordeaux]]  

== References ==  
{{reflist}}  

[[Category:Soil types in viticulture]]