The slopes are extremely steep and mostly south-facing, giving way to ancient alluvial plains, ledges and clayey subsoils to the east.

Juliénas is the least granitic of the 10 crus. Unlike all the other crus, the main parent materials in the appellation’s soil are diorites or galena, bluish hard rocks with clearly visible crystals, finer-grained microdiorites, and dark formations that are more like schistose.

The soils composed of galena produce expressive, fresh and fleshy wines.