Burgundy stone is limestone, usually light in colour, though shades can go from white to ochre. Through the process of sedimentation, veins, stains, and fossil residues have sometimes been imprisoned in the stone. Prized for its hardness, high resistance to bad weather and insulating qualities, Burgundy stone has been used for centuries to build castles, churches, ramparts, and walls on the vineyards. The stone has the added advantage of providing the soil with an important mineral resource, conducive to wine growing.