Vitis vinifera Regina dei Vigneti - Grape vine

Vitis vinifera 'Regina dei Vigneti', which can be translated as "Queen of the Vineyards", is an ancient variety of table grape vine, rare in cultivation, appreciated for its beautiful clusters of large, white and plump grapes that have a muscat aroma. As ornamental as it is delicious, this climbing plant is charming on a pergola or a trellis. This variety is moderately productive, hardy, and not very demanding in terms of soil, but it is quite susceptible to diseases in humid climates.

The wine grape vine (Vitis vinifera) grew wild more than 5000 years ago. Many hybrids have been created to vary colours, flavours, and uses. The 'Regina dei Vigneti' vine is an old Hungarian grape variety that spread throughout Italy. It is also known as 'Incrocio Mathiasz 140' and was obtained in 1916 by crossing the 'Regina Elisabetta' vine with 'Perla di Csaba'.

A fairly vigorous climbing shrub, the Regina dei Vigneti vine reaches an average height of 4m. Its final shape will depend on the pruning practised. The vine attaches itself to its support (trellis, espalier...) thanks to its tendrils and likes sunny situations. It has a semi-erect to horizontal habit. It is advisable to train it on wire and to trellis it well. It is indifferent to the nature of the soil and not very demanding, but it still prefers clay-limestone, stony soils that warm up quickly in spring. It will require careful pruning. Its cut foliage is medium green in summer, more or less susceptible to fungal diseases depending on the varieties, and may sometimes require repeated treatments. It flowers in clusters from April to May, with small yellowish-green nectar-rich flowers.

The 'Regina dei Vigneti' vine produces large pyramid-shaped and cylindrical, compact clusters, weighing 500 to 600 grams. They are composed of numerous large or very large, ellipsoidal berries, of medium thickness, with firm and powdery, golden yellow skin, containing fleshy or crunchy, sweet pulp with a very pleasant muscat flavour. 

The white grapes from this vine are consumed fresh as table fruit or in jams, jellies, fruit juice, pastries, and of course, in wine or spirits after vinification. Like all vines, it is also an ornamental plant that can be trellised near the terrace, to have its beautiful clusters within reach.