Solaris 2022: Exceptional Organic Wine from Wijngaard

University leaf analysis detected no chemical agents at all; the researchers called such a clean reading rare. The Solaris 2022 Special Edition from Wijngaard VieVinVjenne (Pure Nature Estate, Twente) is a Dutch natural wine in the full sense: no sprays, unfiltered, virtually no added sulphites, vegan, limited production. Winemaker Marcel Oude Booijink intervenes minimally but keeps tight control. Marcel started as the first natural winemaker in the Netherlands in 2007.

The labour

Manual leaf removal between June and September — more work than the harvest itself, but essential against mould and for aromatic development. Three picking passes for optimal ripeness per cluster, totalling three weeks of work. During fermentation the skins stay in contact with the juice for several days for complexity and body.

Tasting notes VieVinVjenne Solaris 2022

Orange-gold with light cloudiness (unfiltered). On uncorking already an aromatic haze from the bottle: blossom, orange blossom, rose and acacia, interwoven with green apple, ripe pear, melon, mango, passionfruit, pineapple and papaya. Vanilla, butter, light toast, sharp berry note.

The palate brings the nose back, with extra dimension. Medium-plus acidity and light skin tannin give structure. Full body, long finish, 14.4% alcohol that reads surprisingly light. Opens up in the glass.

Verdict

€65 for a labour-intensive Dutch natural wine that holds its own against international benchmarks. The label shows Hermien, Marcel’s wife and vineyard partner. For drinkers seeking Dutch natural wine at the highest level: a direct recommendation.

Thanks to Marcel for the bottle. More information: puurnatuurwijn.nl