Grape variety : Solaris

Solaris: Origins and Unique Characteristics of This Grape Variety

Solaris, a disease-resistant white grape variety, is an innovative creation admired for its versatility and aromatic wines. Designed to thrive in cool climates, it is gaining popularity in French wine regions. Discover the history, key terroirs, aromatic characteristics of the Solaris grape, and follow our tips for perfect food and wine pairings to showcase this unique variety.

Description and Origins of Solaris

Solaris is a hybrid grape variety created in 1975 by the Freiburg Institute in Germany. A cross between Merzling and other resistant varieties like Seyval Blanc, it was specifically developed to resist vine diseases such as powdery mildew and downy mildew. Its name derives from the Latin solaris, meaning "sunny," highlighting its ability to ripen in cool, low-sunlight climates. With its early ripening and generous yield, Solaris is ideal for producing expressive white wines in northern or mountainous wine regions.

Key Terroirs Where Solaris is Cultivated

Solaris is primarily cultivated in Northern Europe, notably in Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, and Denmark, where it thrives in cool climate conditions. In France, its presence is limited but can be found in a few vineyards in Alsace, the South-West, and Savoie. Some IGP regions in mountainous and northern areas are also beginning to cultivate this grape variety for sustainable and organic wine production.

Aromatic Characteristics of Solaris

Characteristics of Solaris in White Wine:

Best Food Pairings with Solaris

Here are our recommendations for perfect food and wine pairings with a bottle of dry white wine made from Solaris:

• Shrimp Skewers (IGP Alsace Blanc)
• Traditional Raclette (IGP Vin des Alpes Blanc)
• Asparagus Risotto (IGP Comté Tolosan)
• Fresh Goat Cheese with Herbs (IGP Savoie Blanc)

Solaris is an innovative and original grape variety that deserves special attention in a rapidly evolving wine world. Explore our selection of white wines made from Solaris on Avenue des Vins, and let yourself be charmed by our cuvées delivered directly from the estate or château of your choice.

How to serve and keep Solaris

Solaris is an aromatic white that shows best well chilled, between 8 and 10 °C. Serving it cool keeps its tropical fruit, its white-flower aromatics and its fine acidity bright, while preserving the freshness that defines the style. It makes an easy aperitif and partners light dishes, fresh cheeses and fish with ease. Most bottles are best enjoyed young, for their vivid aromatics, rather than long cellaring. To compare styles, browse our full selection of white wines.

Solaris and disease-resistant grape varieties

Solaris belongs to a new generation of disease-resistant grapes, often grouped under the name PIWI, from the German pilzwiderstandsfähig, meaning fungus-resistant. Because the vine stands up to the main fungal diseases, such as powdery and downy mildew, largely on its own, growers can treat the vineyard far less often, which makes Solaris a natural fit for organic and biodynamic estates. In France it is still planted in small quantities, mostly in cooler and mountainous areas such as Alsace, Savoie and the South-West, often bottled as IGP. To explore the same spirit of low-intervention winegrowing, discover our biodynamic wines, or taste the regional styles among our Alsace wines and South-West wines.

Frequently asked questions about Solaris

Is Solaris a white or red grape?

Solaris is a white grape variety that produces dry, aromatic white wines. It is an early-ripening, disease-resistant variety grown mainly in cool-climate regions of Northern Europe and, increasingly, France.

What does Solaris wine taste like?

Solaris wine is aromatic and expressive, with tropical fruit aromas such as pineapple and mango, white flowers and herbal notes, sometimes lifted by a touch of honey. The palate is generous yet fresh, with fine acidity and a slightly mineral finish.

Is Solaris a disease-resistant (PIWI) grape?

Yes, Solaris is a disease-resistant (PIWI) white grape bred to withstand fungal diseases such as powdery and downy mildew with far fewer treatments. That makes it a popular choice for organic and biodynamic winegrowing.

At what temperature should you serve Solaris?

Solaris is best served chilled, between 8 and 10 °C. Serving it cool highlights its tropical fruit, its white-flower aromatics and its freshness.