🪨 Volcanic soil

Volcanic soil is soil that formed from lava and ash after volcanic eruptions. It is poor in organic matter but rich in minerals. Grapes grow on it in Italy on Etna, in Greece on Santorini, in Portugal in the Azores, and in Hungary and Germany.

There are different rocks. Basalt is dark solidified lava that breaks into stony soil. Tuff is a porous rock of compressed volcanic ash. Volcanic soil lets water through, heats up and keeps warmth. The vine grows slowly and yields few berries.

Wines from volcanic sites are often called mineral: they have a fine salty or smoky note and bright acidity. Although the exact link between soil and taste is debated, winemakers find such wines recognisable.

Volcanic soils also create unusual landscapes. For example, on Pico Island vineyards grow in cells made of lava stones. Volcanic soil is among the most interesting for growers.