The plots of land occupy a hilly position. The soil at Vignamaggio represents the product of two different formations which constitute the geological base of this area.
The so-called ‘Macigno’ or sandstone formation, dating back to the Oligocene epoch (formed between 34 and 23 million years ago), is situated on the eastern and highest part of the estate. This gives rise to a inaccessible landscape, rich in woodland; the village of Lamole is also characterized by this formation.
The ‘Chaotic complex of flaky clay’ or ‘Sillano’ formation, of Paleocenic origin (formed between 65 and 53 million years ago) can be found on the western and lower side of the estate.
The first formation mainly consists of sandstone which, as it degrades, produces acidic, sandy or "loose" soil as it is called, rich in stones.
The second formation, which slopes towards the river Greve, climbing up the ot her side, is where most of Vignamaggio's crops are located. This formation offers more clayey soils which are not very fertile and are rich in mainly calcareous or arenaceous stones.
Villa di Vignamaggio is situated right on the line which separates these two geological formations, i.e. along a "fault".
Naturally, the characteristics of the soil are not clearly distinguishable along this line and often present mixed features. It is this aspect which contributes to creating the very particular substratum of these vineyards. In fact, many of Vignamaggio's vineyards are characterized by the extreme diversity of the soil, even within the same plot of land, with sudden changes that can make it differ greatly from one place to the next.
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