terroirs
From soils to sedimentary origins
In the commune of Bonnieux, the vines are planted on soils made of stony materials but often covered with fine materials (silt and alluvium).
Opposite, on the hillsides, the geology is more complex. On the top of the hill of Goult, we find platelet limestone in which there are fish deposits. Just below, the substratum consists of the red sandy marls with limestone pebble beds from the Eocene.
On the terraces the soils are formed of the red sandy marls of the Eocene, with strands of calcareous pebbles, and colluviums.
Further west, in Oppede, on limestone “molasses” of the Lower Miocene, is a clayey horizon surmounted by fairly resistant sandstones of the Middle Miocene. My heartfelt thanks go to Georges Truc for these valuable geological descriptions.
Climatology of the Calavon Valley
The Luberon region enjoys the Mediterranean climate.
Different climatic nuances can be felt, however, such as a mountain-type influence that results in sometimes harsh winters and a large number of frost days.
Average annual precipitation ranges from 600 to 900 mm.
The climate is subject to a four-season rhythm: two dry seasons, two rainy seasons, in Autumn and Spring. The Mediterranean climate of the Calavon Valley is an exceptional asset whose characteristics can be found in the profile of the wines we make here.
