71 



preferably pebbly, and of such a nature as to insure thorough drain- 

 age. If these conditions are fulfilled a pale-coloured surface will 

 promote the ripening of the fruit. If the drainage be not thorough 

 a darker soil is to be preferred. Rich soils, especially black or peaty 

 ones containing much organic matter, should never be planted with 

 vines. 



The " cepages " which give the best results vary according to the 

 chemical character of the soil and the temperature of the spring and 

 autumn. 



In a limestone soil with fine spring but early autumn, the best red 

 wine will be produced by the Pinots, either the ordinary Pinot Noir 

 or the Millers Burgundy (Pinot Meunier); under similar conditions 

 this sort yields the celebrated Burgundies of France. The Pulsart 



ano ther sort which would do well under these circumstances. It is 

 also a better bearer, and does not suffer from frost to any considerable 

 extent. If the autumn be fine, the Mondeuse would prove a valuable 

 red sort, as it gives large yields of good wine, it ripens later than 

 either Pinots or Pulsart. The Malbeck is also to be recommended, 

 although it frequently sets badly at flowering time. 



For white wine the different white Pinots, the Pinot Gris, and 

 Aucarot will give the best results. The Chasselas may be added to 

 these. 



In granitic and schistose soils the most suitable red sorts are 

 Shiraz or Red Hermitage, and Gamay, whilst for white, Roussanne 

 or White Hermitage, Riesling, and Tokay. 



On a clayey subsoil, covered with a more or less sandy or loamy 

 surface soil, most of the above-mentioned sorts thrive. Those, how- 

 ever, which give the best results are the Bordeaux varieties, Cabernet, 

 Carmenet, Verdot, Merlot, and Malbeck, more especially if the soil be 

 sandy, or rich in quartz pebbles. The Shiraz (Red Hermitage) also 

 gives very good results in it, whilst it is a better bearer than most of 

 the above. 



For white wine, the Semillon and Sauvignon (white) will give 

 excellent results, as also will Riesling, White Hermitage, and Chas- 

 selas. The latter will serve to blend with either of the former 

 varieties, although they must not be blended with each other. The 

 Tokay and Pinot Gris also give good results in such a soil. 



