Brisk wine from granite but delicate from sand: The geological legacy of James Busby (1802–71)
The lasting vinous influence of an eminent Victorian.
Byvineyard soils
The rhizosphere: What lies beneath
What does a vine root know, and how does it know it?
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Five fabled vineyard soils
From albariza to terra rossa, the stories and science behind five celebrated vineyard soils.
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Sierra de Gredos: The haunting beauty of a complicated terrain
Genius Loci: Elegant Garnachas and complex Albillo Real whites from the mountains west of Madrid.
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Tuff, tufa, tufo, and tuffeau: A tangled world
From Rome to Eger, and Saumur to Campania, Alex Maltman traces the complex intertwined etymology and geology of tuff, tufa,…
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Clay: What it is and why it matters
Alex Maltman investigates clay, a crucial wine soil type that is simultaneously familiar and mysterious. Alex Maltman on limestone Alex…
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Flint: A striking story
In the latest of his deep dives into wine’s most significant soil categories, Alex Maltman explores the properties of flint,…
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Limestone: Holy grail or charismatic illusion?
With so many of the world’s finest wines grown on limestone and its relatives, it’s no wonder that many winemakers…
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