The soils in Corsica are influenced by the fact this region is a mountanious Island of the Mediterranean Sea, creating different mesoclimates (differing degrees of altitude, latitude and maritime influences). In the northern region of the Cap Corse the soil is mainly schist while just south of the Cap Corse, Patrimonio appellation, the soils is made of limestone-rich chalk and clay. Along the west coast, the soil contains a high concentration of granite. The vineyards planted on the east coast between the cities of Solenzara and Bastia are planted mostly on marly sand.