Club Vinissimus Selection April 2022

Granite wines

Granite is an igneous rock made up of mica, quartz and feldspar and is often found in some of the most renowned wine regions and vineyards in the world. Granite soils bring verticality and directness to their wines, displaying clearly the character of the grape varieties and creating precise and pleasant sketches for the palate to enjoy.

The tannins in granite wines are slightly drier than others and leave a somewhat rough feeling at the back of the mouth. Granite usually delivers sharp sensations with lively wines, which could almost be described as tense and nervy. Wines often display discrete aromas to start with which eventually open out over time, whereas their elegance is unbeatable.

Granite has a low pH value, meaning soils are acidic. Although, in general, we consider granite soils to be poor ones, as the rock wears away, important minerals such as iron can reach the vines’ roots. Vines planted in granite soils with a small amount of clay give very low yields and a concentrated fruit. Water easily filters down through the granite, so roots have to dig deep in search of sustenance and water, leading them to find the essence of the terroir.

Granite also gives off a lot of the warmth it receives from the sun during the daytime and cools down swiftly when temperatures fall in the evening. These are perfect conditions for grapes as they can accumulate sugars during the day and preserve their acidity at night. Freshness, flavours, and a cool structure are common features of a granite wine as well as a mineral light which experts associate with the presence of the porosity and energy of quartz in the soil.

Granite soils and white wines undoubtedly make a great pair, preserving the fruit's acidity and highlighting its minerality, but the relationship with red grapes is also an exceptional one, fashioning light and fresh wines.