Vitis vinifera Regent

The 'Regent' grapevine is a vigorous variety, resistant to diseases and winter cold, used for wine production, juices or to enjoy as table grapes, refreshing and sweet. It produces medium-sized, compact clusters. The medium-sized, tight, dark red grapes evolve into a bluish-black colour at ripeness, in September or October depending on the climate. The flesh is juicy. The organoleptic qualities of 'Regent' make it a popular grape variety in Europe, especially in Germany and Belgium, where it has joined traditional grape varieties and is used in high-quality blends under controlled designation of origin. The resulting wine is dry and light, with an intense light red colour, as this grape variety is pigmented. It is also cultivated in the severe climatic conditions of Northern Europe. In wet years, it is slightly less resistant to mildew. In autumn, its foliage turns beautiful shades of red to purple. Hardy and undemanding, it thrives in the sun, in ordinary but well-drained soil, preferably neutral to limestone.

The wine grape (Vitis vinifera) grew wild more than 5000 years ago, it belongs to the vitaceae family. Its introduction to France for cultivation was done by the Romans. Numerous hybrids have been created to vary colours, flavours, and uses. The 'Regent' vine is a German variety, obtained in 1967 by Ghernardt Alleweldt through the cross-breeding of the Diana and Chambourcin varieties. A vigorous sarmentous bush, the 'Regent' vine can reach up to 4m (13ft) in height. Its final shape will depend on the pruning practised. The vine can cling to its support (trellis, espalier...) thanks to its tendrils and thrives in sunny locations. It has a strongly upright habit. It is recommended to train it on wire and support it well. It is indifferent to soil types, not very demanding, but it prefers deep, nutrient-rich, and permeable soil. It will require careful pruning.

Its foliage is slightly lobed, with a deep green colour in summer, turning red and purple in autumn. Its cluster flowering occurs in May, offering small white-pink flowers. Its grapes ripen in medium-sized clusters between September and October, depending on the regions and the climate. The small, richly coloured berries are spherical, with thick skin, turning blue-black at maturity. The flesh is meltingly soft when ripe.

Not very sensitive to diseases, this vine avoids repeated treatments. It is indifferent to soil types: not very demanding, although it prefers clay-limestone and stony soils. 'Regent' can climb on any available support: it covers fences, climbs over hedges, reaches into shrubs and trees, and quickly adorns pergolas and arbors. It is advisable to trellis it against a well-exposed stone wall so that it can benefit from maximum sunlight.

The grapes can be consumed as table fruit, fresh, but also in jams, jellies, fruit juice, pastries, and of course, after vinification, as wine. In general, grapes are rich in vitamin B, a source of fibre and manganese, and they are well-endowed with antioxidants. They are also believed to play a role in preventing cardiovascular diseases, and most importantly, they are a healthy, natural, and tasty dessert. To enjoy different flavours, plant a white grape variety like 'Fragola Bianca' alongside it, with its exceptional aroma. Or the 'Navaho' Thornless Blackberry, whose fruits you can enjoy fresh or cooked in desserts or jellies.