Muschelkalk is a German-language term for a tertiary era (the Trias period, 220 million years ago) shell limestone rich in ancient marine fossils, a calcareous-clayey marl, a soil type described by Tom Stevenson (2011, p.19.) as often used when discussing wines in Alsace, Muschelkalk is a stratigraphic name for the Middle Triassic [245 million years ago] period and can mean anything from sandstone (shelly, dolomitic, calcareous, clayey, pink, yellow, or millstone) to marl (varicoloured or fissile) dolomite, limestone (crinoidal or grey), and shingle.’

Karl-Heinz Wehrheim of Weingut Dr Wehrheim describes Muschelkalk as ‘Middle trias floor. Heavy soil with good water holding capacity, high free lime content. Ideal for Burgundy white and red. This heavy, calcareous soil originated in a Triassic maritime period. It is an excellent substrate for Burgundians who benefit above all from the high free lime content.’

Wineries

Certified Biodynamic: Feiler Artinger (Neusiedlersee Hügelland, Austria). | Weingut Dr Wehrheim (Pfalz, Germany).

Bibliography

Tom Stevenson, The Sotheby’s Wine Encyclopedia 5th Edition (Dorling Kindersley, 2011), p.19.