TERROIR HESSEN - Enjoy the difference!

SLATE SOILS ARE DEBRIS SOILS. The landscape is dominated by the grey colour of the weathered grey-blue Hunsrück slates. The dark-brown, humus-rich topsoil is often covered by slate debris and rubble. The spaces between the loose materials are well aerated. The rock cover protects the soil from desiccation. The soil contains loess as well as clay and mineral-rich fine earth derived from weathered slate. The plants are well supplied with minerals such as potassium, magnesium, sodium and iron contained in the clay fraction. The slate weathers rapidly, thus ensuring a continuous supply of nutrients and micronutrients.
The presence of slate debris enhances permeability and produces a loosely structured soil. Rainwater can easily permeate into the subsoil. The stone content increases with depth, which reduces the soil water capacity. This can result in water stress in the summer months. Consequently, the vine must tap into additional reserves by sending roots deep into the debris subsoil. Not even solid rock can stop the roots and some will grow along joints to penetrate deep into the bedrock. Is this the secret behind the distinctive minerality of the slate wines?

THE ROCK
Slate, also known as Hunsrück slate, is typically found beneath the vineyards between Lorch and Lorchhausen. The dark grey to blue grey colour of this lithified marine clay sediment is due to the presence of bituminous organic substances.
On first sight the stony slate slopes appear to be a poor location for growing wine. However, these soils are rich in base nutrients and provide excellent ripening conditions. Slate weathers quickly to produce fertile earth and large amounts of mineral nutrients. Slate debris also protects the soil from erosion and improves soil