Nif Bağları Chardonnay Solaris 2016
It was while studying agriculture in Germany that Gaye Özcan, proprietor and winemaker at Nif Bağları, learned about the grape Solaris.
Developed in 1975 in Germany, Solaris is a hybrid grape resulting from a crossing of Merzling and GM 6493 (which itself is a crossing of Zarya Severa and Muscat Ottonel). Early ripening and disease resistant, Solaris can reach high sugar levels even in cool climates with little sunshine making it increasingly popular in Europe’s more northern countries.
Having gained an appreciation for the grape and its viticultural properties, Özcan ensured the planting of some vines in her Aegean vineyards. Currently she uses the grape only as a blending partner to Chardonnay but we may see other Solaris wines from her in the future. 
Nif Bağları Chardonnay Solaris 2016 Tasting Notes
Brilliant and intense gold color, the wine released fruity and floral aromas on the pour. Lightly toasted nuts, wet stone, and crème fraîche aromas joined citrus and peach fruits.
Round with hints of cream about the mouthfeel, the Nif Bağları Chardonnay Solaris is medium-bodied with 13.5% abv. Palate flavors begin with lemon curd, peach, and pineapple with wet stone and sparkling edges of mineral.