| Regent | |
|---|---|
| Grape (Vitis) | |
| Species | Interspecific hybrid |
| Also called | Geilweilerhof 67-198-3 |
| Origin | Siebeldingen, Palatinate, Germany |
| Notable regions | Rheinhessen, Palatinate |
Regent is a dark-skinned inter-specific hybrid grape variety, used for making wine.[1] It has both European (Vitis vinifera) and American vine species in its pedigree and a broad resistance against the most significant fungal diseases which affect grapes, such as downy mildew.
Regent was created in 1967 by Professor Gerhardt Alleweldt at the Geilweilerhof Institute for Grape Breeding by crossing Diana, a Silvaner x Müller-Thurgau cross and thus a Vitis vinifera variety, with the interspecific hybrid Chambourcin.[2] Experimental plantings followed in 1985,[3] and it received varietal protection in 1994 and was released for cultivation in the first German region in 1996.[4] It is at present among the most important new fungal-resistant quality grape variety world-wide, especially in German wine regions.
Regent wines are colour intensive red wines with moderate acidity, can have rather much tannin and show aromas of cherries or blackcurrants. The wines often reach high alcohol levels since Regent tends to reach high must weights. Some better German versions are matured in barriques.[3]
The cultivated area in Germany was 2,183 hectares (5,390 acres) in 2006, with an increasing trend.[5] This made it Germany's 12th most cultivated variety, and the most cultivated hybrid grape variety. Regent is also grown in the United Kingdom with some success.[1]
Regent is also known under its breeding code Geilweilerhof 67-198-3 or Gf. 67-198-3.[2]