Loess is a soil type defined by John Szabo (2016, p.248) as ‘composed of deposited wind-borne sediment’. Tom Stevenson defines loess as ‘an accumulation of wind-borne, mainly silty material, that is sometimes calcareous but usually weathered and decalcified. It warms up relatively quickly and also has good water-retention properties.’ Hugh Johnson (1991, p.418): describes loess as ‘half rock, half soil’.

Bibliography

John Szabo (MS), Volcanic Wines, (Jacqui Small, 2016).

Hugh Johnson, Hugh Johnson’s Wine Companion (1991, 3rd edition, Mitchell Beazley).