General information
Solaris is a modern white grape variety developed in 1975 at the Freiburg Wine Institute by Norbert Becker. The variety originated from a cross of Merzling × Gm 6493, with Muskat-Ottonel in its pedigree. Solaris is known for its early ripeness, high sugar content, and aromatic profile. The name refers to the sun-catching character of this grape, which reaches full ripeness even in cooler climates.

Grape
The grape bunches are medium-sized, loose-fitting, and turn amber yellow when fully ripe. Thanks to their open structure, the bunches are highly resistant to mold.

Resistance

• Peronospora (downy mildew): +++
• Oidium (powdery mildew): +++
• Botrytis (gray mold): ++

Wine
Solaris produces full-bodied, aromatic wines with fruity acidity. You'll taste notes of mirabelle, quince, almond, and sometimes caramel, especially with cool fermentation or extended skin maceration. The grape is also suitable for making dessert wines, especially with late harvests.

Cultivation advice
Solaris ripens early, often as early as early September. This makes it ideal for northern or higher-altitude locations. Its growth habit is vigorous and rather horizontal, requiring good training and an open canopy to ensure sufficient light and drying of the vine zone. The grape is very winter-hardy and requires few soil conditions.

Preparing the vine
The plant grows vigorously with a wide canopy. When training, ensure sufficient air and light. Solaris is easy to grow, even for novice wine enthusiasts.

Ground preparation

• On calcareous soil: improve with lava grit
• On sandy soil: improve with bentonite and lava flour

Planting out
Soak your vine in a bucket of water for 24 hours. This allows it to soak up some water before planting.

Plant between May 1st and 15th. Use a soil auger or spade to dig a planting hole 10 cm in diameter and 30 cm deep. Insert the graft just above the ground, so that the vine protrudes 5 to 10 cm above the ground.

Planting distance

• In line: 1 meter
• Between rows: 1.5 to 1.8 meters