THIS SOIL is formed on ice age residual loess mixed with very fine slate rubble. The slate content increases towards the soil surface. Some of the slate was transported here by recent erosion, but some was also ploughed into the topsoil by winegrowers to improve soil conditions. The plough horizon consists of brown residual loess and fine slate rubble. The dark colour of the topsoil is due to the humus content.      The slate protects the soil from erosion, loosens the soil and promotes permeability for air and water. Slate weathers quickly producing a fertile earth and large amounts of mineral nutrients. The friable loess subsoil enables roots to penetrate to great depths in their search for water and nutrients. Loess mainly consists of silt and can therefore store large amounts of plant available water. Loess has a high calcium carbonate content and also contains large amounts of minerals such as potassium, magnesium, sodium and iron. This fertile soil provides best growth and ripening conditions for the vines.

THE ROCK Slate is the typical rock found beneath the vineyards between Lorch and Lorchhausen. The dark grey to blue grey colour of this marine clay sediment is due to the presence of bituminous organic substances. The mineral rich rock contains large amounts of iron, potassium and magnesium.      Loess is a windblown, fine-grained, calcareous sediment. During the ice ages winds deposited fine sand and dust all over the landscape including that of the Middle Rhine Valley. In most locations the loess is hidden from view in the subsoil.