🌿 Isabella (grape)

Isabella is an old American grape with a strawberry-like smell. It belongs to the species Vitis labrusca, that is, to the American vines. The berries are dark, almost black, with thick skin and a characteristic aroma called strawberry-like or foxy.

The variety appeared in North America in the early 19th century and then spread around the world. The vine is very undemanding: it tolerates frost and damp and rarely falls ill. That is why Isabella is so loved in gardens and country plots, especially in Eastern Europe, where it grows in many yards.

Isabella is often made into home-made wine. It is simple, with a bright berry aroma and often a touch of sweetness. In professional European winemaking the variety is little used because its taste differs from classic European grapes.

The berries can be eaten fresh or made into juice, jam and compote. The vine grows well on arbours and fences, giving shade and a crop.