loess, an accumulation of clay and silt particles that have been deposited by the wind. Loess is typically pale-coloured, unstratified, and loosely cemented by calcium carbonate. Favoured for viticulture because it is porous, permeable, readily warmed, and easily penetrated by roots, it is common in washington state and tokaj, and is found in some vineyards in austria, germany, and china.
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