Geology/ Soils

Question 1

What types of subsoils are found in the higher, steeper slopes of the Vosges?

Answer 1

The subsoils of the higher, steeper Vosges contain weathered gneiss, granite, sandstone, schist and volcanic sediments.

Question 2

What types of subsoils are found in the foothills of the Vosges?
Where do these soils come from?

Answer 2

The subsoils of the Vosges foothils are sedimentary they were created by the Rhine delta riverbed, consists of clay, marl, sandstone and limestone

Question 3

What is ‘gres des Vosges’? Where do you find it?

Answer 3

‘Gres des Vosges’ is a compact pink sandstone made from decomposed granite. It contains quartz, feldspar and iron ( for the pink colour).
It is found almost exclusively in the foothills of the Vosges mts.

Question 4

What is Muschelkalk?

Answer 4

Muschelkalk is a shell limestone sedimentary soil formed in ancient land locked seas (shallow warm lagoons) in central Europe around Germany. It was laid down 238-227mya during the middle of the Triassac system.

Question 5

What are 5 Alsace GC vineyards on these soils: A. Granite B.Marl-Limestone-Sandstone C. Volcanic D. Limestone

Answer 5

A. Alsace GC Brand/ Schlossberg/ Sommerberg AOP
B. Alsace GC Geisberg and Hengst AOP
C. Alsace GC Rangen AOP
D. Alsace GC Rosacker AOP

Question 6

The Vosges mountains are part of what near by greater geological formation?

Answer 6

The Vosges mountains are the western edge of the Rhine graben ( Rhine Rift Valley)