Everything About Isabella Grape

Spelling Icon "ih-zuh-BEL-uh"
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Description Icon Isabella Description

Origin: United States
History: Isabella is an American hybrid grape variety, believed to be a natural cross between Vitis labrusca and Vitis vinifera species. It was discovered in 1816 by William Prince in Dorchester, South Carolina, and named after Isabella Gibbs, the wife of a friend. The grape gained popularity in the 19th century for its resistance to phylloxera and adaptability to various climates. It became widely cultivated in the United States and was later introduced to Europe, where it played a role in combating phylloxera infestations. Today, Isabella is grown in regions such as Eastern Europe, Turkey, Latin America, and parts of Asia.
Appearance: Medium to large, loosely packed clusters of dark purple to almost black berries with a thick bloom.
Growing Traits: Isabella is a hardy and vigorous vine, known for its resistance to diseases like phylloxera and its adaptability to various climates, including humid and cooler regions. It is a late-ripening variety, often harvested in October, and can tolerate temperatures as low as -24°C (-11°F). The grape is a slip-skin variety, meaning the skin separates easily from the pulp, which is characteristic of Vitis labrusca species.
Food Pairing Icon Food Pairing
Isabella's light to medium body and distinctive 'foxy' character make it a versatile pairing for various dishes. It complements grilled meats, particularly pork and chicken, as well as hearty stews and pasta with tomato-based sauces. The grape's natural acidity and fruity profile also make it suitable for pairing with aged cheeses and charcuterie. In regions like Brazil, Isabella wines are often enjoyed with traditional dishes such as feijoada (a black bean stew) and churrasco (barbecue).
Body
Sweetness
Tannin
Acidity
Alcohol
Light to medium-bodied with a distinctive 'foxy' character, typical of Vitis labrusca varieties. Typically vinified in a dry style, though some off-dry and sweet versions exist, especially in homemade wines. Low tannin levels, resulting in a smooth and approachable palate. Moderate to high acidity, contributing to its freshness and suitability for various wine styles. Moderate alcohol content, generally ranging between 10% and 12%, making it a light and easy-drinking wine.
Strawberry Taste Note Strawberry
Raspberry Taste Note Raspberry
Grape Jam Taste Note Grape Jam
Earthy Taste Note Earthy
Musk Taste Note Musk
Isabella wines are characterized by pronounced aromas of strawberries and raspberries, accompanied by the distinctive 'foxy' notes typical of Vitis labrusca varieties. On the palate, they offer a light to medium body with moderate acidity, showcasing flavors of concord grape, earthy undertones, and a subtle musky finish. The wines are generally straightforward, making them approachable for casual consumption.
Regions
[object Object] Region
United States
•New York
•South Carolina
[object Object] Region
Brazil
•Rio Grande do Sul
[object Object] Region
Japan
•Yamanashi Prefecture
[object Object] Region
Russia
•Krasnodar Krai
[object Object] Region
India
•Karnataka
Notable Wines and Producers
Uhudler
•Uhudler Cooperative Association
Fragolino
•Various Italian Homemade Producers
Isabel
•Vinícola Aurora (Brazil)

Isabella FAQ

United States

Isabella has a body level of 2 out of 5. Which means that Isabella is Moderate to Light bodied.

Isabella has a dryness level of 2 out of 5. Which means that Isabella is Semi-Dry.

United States

Isabella is grown in United States (New York, South Carolina)Brazil (Rio Grande do Sul)Japan (Yamanashi Prefecture)Russia (Krasnodar Krai)India (Karnataka).

Isabella wines are characterized by pronounced aromas of strawberries and raspberries, accompanied by the distinctive 'foxy' notes typical of Vitis labrusca varieties. On the palate, they offer a light to medium body with moderate acidity, showcasing flavors of concord grape, earthy undertones, and a subtle musky finish. The wines are generally straightforward, making them approachable for casual consumption.

Isabella's light to medium body and distinctive 'foxy' character make it a versatile pairing for various dishes. It complements grilled meats, particularly pork and chicken, as well as hearty stews and pasta with tomato-based sauces. The grape's natural acidity and fruity profile also make it suitable for pairing with aged cheeses and charcuterie. In regions like Brazil, Isabella wines are often enjoyed with traditional dishes such as feijoada (a black bean stew) and churrasco (barbecue).

Isabella wines are characterized by pronounced aromas of strawberries and raspberries, accompanied by the distinctive 'foxy' notes typical of Vitis labrusca varieties. On the palate, they offer a light to medium body with moderate acidity, showcasing flavors of concord grape, earthy undertones, and a subtle musky finish. The wines are generally straightforward, making them approachable for casual consumption.

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