Regent

Also known as: Geilweilerhof 67-198-3 (breeding designation)

A German PIWI variety from 1967 – a cross between Diana (Silvaner × Müller-Thurgau) and Chambourcin. Regent was developed to be resistant to fungal diseases, thus eliminating the need for many vineyard sprayings. For a long time, this was its sole raison d’être: functional, not sensory.

It has since become apparent that Regent can do more than simply be robust. Deep dark colour, moderate tannins, red and black berry fruit – not a spectacular variety, but an honest one. At Johannes Zillinger in Weinviertel, it receives the same attention as the classic varieties.