Grappa Zero Infinito is Pojer e Sandri's single-variety grappa made from Solaris, a disease-resistant (PiWi) grape grown in Trentino. The estate applies its exacting distillation approach to this unusual raw material. Tropical-fruit fragrance and a rounded texture make it a distinctive bottle for a spirits enthusiast interested in grapes beyond the familiar names.
- Aromas: Banana and pineapple notes give an expressive tropical-fruit fragrance, with the clean aromatic focus of a carefully handled young grappa.
- Palate: Rounded and smooth in style, with a persistent fruit-led finish and the warmth expected of a spirit; a small pour is enough to explore its layers.
- Style: A clear, aromatic single-variety grappa, highlighting Solaris rather than wood-ageing flavours or the profile of a blended grape spirit.
- Winemaking: The maker carefully processes the pomace, removing stems and seeds before small-batch fermentation and prompt bain-marie distillation. This handling aims to preserve the grape's character and avoid unwanted bitter or overheated notes.
- Cellaring: No further bottle ageing is needed. Store upright, tightly sealed, away from heat and direct sunlight; the aim is to preserve the existing aromas rather than develop them.
- Food Pairing: A small after-dinner pour, dark chocolate or simple almond biscuits; allow it its own moment rather than treating it as an ordinary wine pairing.
Solaris grappa is a wonderful talking point for a drinks shelf. It brings the estate's curiosity about new grape varieties into a very Italian spirit. Pour a little after dinner, let the tropical aromas open and enjoy a distinctive alternative to the usual digestif. Use a small tulip glass and take time with the aroma before sipping; there is no need for a large pour.
NB: PIWI (a German abbreviation*) refers to a group of special cross-breedvarieties. AKA - Eco-friendly viticulture without chemicals. "These were created by crossing European grape varieties and American fungus resistant varietals. Most of them still are known as hybrids or interspecific varietals and were first used in France from 1880 to 1935. The aim was to combine the good resistance to diseases and phylloxera of the American grape varieties with the high quality of European varietals. Unfortunately these new varietals were not able to survive on their own root. New cultures, which have been grown after 1950, are very complex, may have been created with Asian varietals and are the result of decades of crossings. They belong to the type Vitis vinifera because they are not to be distinguished taxonomically. An official examination in comparing different grape varieties has proven the high quality in wine production of Piwi varietals." For the full article click HERE. Specifically, Solaris is a cross of Saperavia, Labrusca, Pinot Grigio, Riesling and Muscat Ottonel.
* fancy having a go at the full German name? "Pilzwiderstandsfahigen Reben" :-)
Pojer e Sandri
In Faedo, in the hills of Trentino, Pojer e Sandri began in 1975 when Fiorentino Sandri and Mario Pojer joined forces to pursue a shared interest in wine. Their partnership became a project defined by curiosity, technical invention and a close understanding of mountain vineyards. The range is unusually broad, encompassing Nosiola and Müller-Thurgau alongside Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Nero and Bordeaux varieties. Different vineyard elevations help the team explore both individual grapes and carefully assembled blends.
The estate is particularly associated with innovation, including specialised grape-washing and protective pressing techniques designed to preserve fruit character. That inventive spirit also appears in Zero Infinito, a project based on the disease-resistant Solaris grape. Traditional-method sparkling wines, the Bianco Faye and Rosso Faye blends, and the distinctive fortified red Merlino show the breadth of the cellar’s interests. Spirits and vinegars extend the story still further. For wine lovers who enjoy freshness with imagination, Pojer e Sandri offers a mountain estate where longstanding friendship and experimentation continue to produce an engagingly individual collection.
