One of the few generalisations that can be applied to Victoria's most important quality wine region is that generalisations do not work here. The landscape, with channels, folds, slopes and valley floors, is so unpredictable that the vineyards face in all directions. The terroir is also very varied, but broadly speaking it is poor, well-drained grey loam, with sand and clay in the north and deep, fertile volcanic soils in the south, with marked differences in aspect and altitude. The climate is warmer than Burgundy, cooler than Bordeaux and the Australian average. Pinot Noir is clearly one of the strengths of the Yarra Valley, and now occupies about a third of the plantings. However, the valley is probably best known for its Chardonnays, planted on about a quarter of the total vineyard area, having launched the more refined, sometimes austere styles in Australia, thanks to the naturally cool conditions of the foothills at the southern end.