Origin: Monarch is a fungus-resistant red wine variety and was crossed in 1988 at the Staatlichen Weinbauinstitut Freiburg by Norbert Becker. 

Interbreeding: Solaris X Dornfelder

Characteristics: The variety has a strong growth with few tendrils and side shoots. The variety has a medium bud burst and ripening time. Monarch reaches full ripeness with Pinot Noir, with very slow must weight development. The PIWI variety coulurings little and has a low susceptibility to stem rot.

Grape: The grapes are large, loose and have a medium berry size. 

Wine: The wines are powerful, rich in color and have strong tannins. The variety can be vinified very well single-variety, but is also suitable for blending with fruity red wines. Even with low must weights, full-bodied, velvety red wines can be produced.

Cultivation: The red wine variety requires good vineyard sites with sufficient ripening time. The risk of late frost in spring should be taken into account.