Solaris – The New Grape Variety for Sylt An ideal grape variety for Sylt – according to Professor Dr. Löhnertz of the oenological research institute in Geisenheim/Rheingau – would ripen early to mid-early; have flowering firmness; and have loosely- packed clusters. These are, among others, the traits of the white grape variety Solaris, which was bred by Norbert Becker in 1975 at the State Viticultural Institute in Freiburg/Baden. It is a crossing of Merzling x GM 6493. The latter (Gm = Geisenheim) was originally part of a seedling population that Professor V. Kraus crossed in 1964, from the varietals Zarya Severa and Muskat-Ottonel in (then) Czechoslovakia. Solaris has large, three-lobed, dark green leaves. Its grapes are medium large. Budburst, blossoming and véraison (onset of ripening) all take place about a week earlier compared with traditional grape varieties. Solaris is also frost-resistant. It is not particularly demanding in terms of site since grape musts usually reach 100 degrees Oechsle by the beginning of September. Furthermore, Solaris is not very vulnerable to fungal disease and it brings forth a good-sized crop. The grape received varietal protection in 2001 and was added to the official grape registry in 2004. As of late April 2009, there were 59 ha (146 acres) of Solaris planted in Germany. Its name derives from sol , Latin for sun, and literally means “of the sun.” Up until now, Solaris has been cultivated primarily in the German wine-growing region Baden (Markgräflerland) and in the Swiss canton Zürich (Winterthur). There are also a few plantings in Denmark. Based on experience thus far, the appeal of the future wine lies in its spicy and fruity aroma. For additional details, please contact: Balthasar Ress, Ute Schalberger Zum Meerwald 4, 66129 Saarbrücken, Germany Tel.: +49 (0)6805/2070701 [email protected] .