The Solaris grape is a highly versatile, relatively modern breed specifically designed to flourish in cooler climate regions like the United Kingdom. Originating from Germany in 1975, this grape variety is adept at battling off many vine diseases thanks to its robust nature, and it’s particularly resistant to fungal infestations. In terms of appearance, the Solaris grape exhibits quite a sizeable volume, boasting thick skins which host a beautiful golden-yellow hue, thus making them an appealing choice for winemakers.
One of the most compelling aspects of the Solaris grape is its knack for early ripening. It is well-renowned for its ability to generate an impressive degree of sugar whilst maintaining an ideal level of acidity, which serves to heighten its stature amongst wine connoisseurs. As for taste, the Solaris grape delivers flavours akin to rose, vanilla and tropical fruits which range from peach to apricot, along with a crisp, refreshing acidity. These characteristics lend themselves beautifully to both still white wines and sparkling varieties, making the grape a surprisingly adaptable option.
In the UK, Solaris grape has cemented her presence particularly in England and Wales, where it is blended to create a number of award-winning wines. Tillingham in East Sussex, makes renowned wine from this grape variety, offering an expressive taste of British terroir. With its versatility, resilience and capability to produce high sugar levels, the Solaris grape is rapidly gaining favour amongst British vineyard owners.
An intriguing fusion of robustness and refined flavours, the Solaris grape aptly demonstrates the potential for producing fine wines in cooler climates. With its ability to ripen early and ward off disease, coupled with an increasingly admired flavour profile, the Solaris grape is an exciting prospect for the future of wine production in the UK, and beyond.
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