High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! The soil composition of vineyards is one of the most important viticultural consideration when planting grape vines. The soil supports the root structure of the vine and influences the drainage levels and amount of minerals and nutrients that the vine is exposed to. The ideal circumstance for a vine is an area of thin topsoil and subsoil that sufficiently retains waters but also has good drainage so that the vine roots don't become overly saturated. The ability of the soil to retain heat and/or reflect it back up to the vine is also an important consideration that affects the ripening of the grape.