Limestone

/LIME-stohn/

🍇Viticulture

Calcium carbonate rock prized for wine terroir.

Full Definition

Limestone is a sedite rocks and its derived soils are associated with many fine wine regions: Burgundy, Champagne, the Loire, Chablis, and parts of Rioja. Limestone provides good drainage, moderate water retention, and alkaline conditions. Wines from limestone often show mineral character and vibrant acidity.

Related Terms

chalk calcaire terroir

See Also

Light-Bodied Back to Glossary Limpid

More terms starting with L

Lactic Acid

The softer acid produced during malolactic fermentation.

Late Harvest

Wine from grapes picked after normal harvest for extra ripeness.

Lees

Dead yeast cells and grape solids that settle after fermentation.

Left Bank

The Cabernet-dominant side of Bordeaux.

Legs

The droplets that run down the glass after swirling.

Length

How long flavors persist after swallowing.