Buntsandstein is the German language term for a coloured sandstone from the Lower Triassic (250 million years ago) said to impart an apricot note to Riesling. See soil types.

Karl-Heinz Wehrheim says ‘Buntsandstein is the predominant geological form in the Palatinate – Palatinate forest floor. It is a sandy soil with moderate water holding capacity. The trademarks are the different colored sandstones. Pinot noir and Riesling grow on it in and around Birkweiler.  At home in the Kastanienbusch Köppel and in the Dachsberg.’