Vitis vinifera Regina Nera - Grapevine

The 'Regina Nera' Dessert Grape Vine is a very old variety, with unknown parents and uncertain origins, probably from the Jerusalem region. It produces bluish-purple, cylindrical and conical clusters, sometimes winged, averaging 400g. The ovoid berries are large, with thick and smooth skin that does not affect the taste. The pulp has a crisp, sweet, and harmonious flavour. Harvesting takes place from mid-September to early October, depending on the region. The plant is vigorous and highly productive, but its disease resistance is average. It is particularly beautiful when used for pergolas and is mainly grown in southern regions. Its hardiness is not documented.

The wine grape vine (Vitis vinifera) grew wild over 5000 years ago. Many hybrids have been created to vary colours, flavours, and uses. The 'Regina Nera' vine is a very old variety, with an uncertified origin, but traces place it in the Jerusalem region.

The 'Regina Nera' vine is a vigorous climbing shrub that reaches an average height of 4m. Its final shape will depend on pruning. The vine attaches itself to its support (trellis, espalier...) thanks to its tendrils and thrives in sunny locations. It is recommended to train it on wire and support it well. It is indifferent to soil types but prefers clay-limestone, rocky soils. It will require careful pruning. Its finely cut foliage is medium green in summer. It flowers in clusters from April to May, depending on the region, with small greenish flowers. Its ovoid grapes are gathered in medium-sized, fairly tight clusters. These berries are initially green and ripen in September-October. The small berries turn black-purple when ripe and have a thick skin. The pulp is crisp and sweet.

The 'Regina Nera' grape can be eaten as a fresh dessert fruit or in jams, jellies, fruit juice, pastries, and of course, as wine or spirits after fermentation. This 'Regina Nera' variety is also an ornamental plant, particularly suitable for pergolas, which can be grown near the terrace, to have its beautiful clusters within reach.