General information
Regent is a pioneer among the Piwi vines, bred in 1967 at the Geilweilerhof Regeneration Institute in Siebeldingen. This variety heralded a new era in sustainable viticulture, thanks to its high resistance to fungal diseases. Regent is a cross between (Silvaner × Müller-Thurgau) and Chambourcin. The grape is widespread in Germany (approx. 2,000 hectares in Rheinhessen, the Palatinate, and Baden) and is now also found in the Benelux countries, England, and Switzerland. Regent is suitable for those seeking a robust, deep red wine with a classic appearance.

Grape
The bunches are elongated and loosely structured, with medium-sized, round berries that are blue-black. This open cluster structure makes the grape less susceptible to mold.

Resistance

• Peronospora (downy mildew): ++
• Oidium (powdery mildew): +
• Botrytis (gray mold): ++

Wine
Regent produces deep red, tannic wines with plenty of body. Its character is fully expressed through prolonged maceration on the skins. Expect aromas of ripe plums, cherries, and a hint of red pepper. Regent matures well in oak and is similar in profile to Merlot.

Cultivation advice
Regent ripens relatively early (from September onwards) and has upright, moderately vigorous growth with few side shoots. The plant tolerates winter frost well, but is somewhat susceptible to chlorosis in very calcareous or wet soils. Therefore, choose a suitable rootstock.

Preparing the vine
The growth is vigorous, yet easily manageable. Regent can be easily trained on a wire structure or trellis.

Ground preparation

• On calcareous soil: improve with lava grit
• On sandy soil: improve with bentonite and lava flour

Planting out
Soak your vine in a bucket of water for 24 hours. This allows it to soak up some water before planting.

Plant between May 1st and 15th. Use a soil auger or spade to dig a planting hole 10 cm in diameter and 30 cm deep. Insert the graft just above the ground, so that the vine protrudes 5 to 10 cm above the ground.

Planting distance

• In line: 1 meter
  
• Between rows: 1.5 to 1.8 meters