Schist soil

A schist soil consists of layered metamorphic rock that splits into thin plates and warms quickly in the sun. Poor and free draining, it forces the vine to send its roots deep in search of water, which curbs vigour and concentrates the grapes. It is associated with the wines of Priorat in Catalonia, certain terraces of the Douro and Beaujolais hillsides, often praised for their depth and structure.