- Isabella grape: profile
- Origin and History
- Flavours and characteristics of the Isabella variety
- Special features of cultivation and care of table grapes
- Harvesting and processing Isabella grapes
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The deep blue Isabella grape impresses with its characteristic wild berry taste. The variety is ideal for making rosé wine as well as a table grape.
The robust and disease-resistant Isabella grape impresses with its wild berry aroma and versatile processing options. Here we show where the old grape variety comes from and how you can cultivate the Isabella grape in your own garden.
Isabella grape: profile
| Fruit | Table and bunch of grapes, medium - large, oval, deep blue |
| Flavor | Distinct "Fox Tone" (strawberry flavor) |
| Harvest Time | mid-late |
| Growth | Strong growth |
| Climate | Sunny, warm, south face only |
| Diseases and Pests | Resistant to phylloxera and mildew |
| Sensitivity to Frost | Low |
Origin and History
The Isabella grape originally comes from the USA and has been known since 1816. In the second half of the 19th century, most European grape varieties suffered severe harvest failures due to their susceptibility to phylloxera. Since the Isabella grape, which originated in the USA, is resistant to this pest, the variety quickly spread to Europe. Even today it can still be found almost everywhere. The Isabella grape is also found in Burgenland in Austria, where it is used to make the local wine speci alty Uhudler.
Why is the Isabella grape forbidden? First of all: The private cultivation of the Isabella grape is permitted and does not involve any legal difficulties.
But why is there a question about a ban on the Isabella grape at all? Unlike most cultivated grape varieties, the Isabella grape is a direct producer variety. She wasn'tgrafted, that means: It grows on its own root and has not been grafted onto another substrate. Domestic direct producer varieties have been banned in Europe since the 20th century to prevent phylloxera infestation. Since then, European varieties have had to be grafted onto American, phylloxera-resistant stocks. Since the Isabella grape is an American direct producer variety, it is resistant to the pest anyway. Nevertheless, it still officially falls under the historical law, which is a hindrance, especially in commercial cultivation. However, private cultivation of the Isabella grape is permitted.
The taste of the Isabelle grape is very different from that of European grape varieties due to its intense wild berry flavor. For a long time, the quality of the variety was judged to be inferior due to its inherent taste. Today, however, wines made from Isabella grapes are becoming increasingly popular with wine connoisseurs.
Flavours and characteristics of the Isabella variety
The characteristic taste of the Isabella grape is referred to in wine circles as a "fox tone", which is intensely reminiscent of wild berries. This is why the grape variety is also often called the 'Isabella' strawberry grape.
Isabella grapes contain seeds. The berries are medium-sized, oval and heavily frosted. A thick, dark blue skin surrounds the jelly-like, pink flesh. The grapes are suitable both for the production of rosé wines and as a table grape.
Special features of cultivation and care of table grapes
Because the Isabella grape is very hardy to frost, it can also be grown in cooler regions. A south-facing house wall or something similar offers optimal conditions. As with all grape varieties, a location with good air movement is advantageous to ensure that the fruit dries quickly and to avoid diseases such as gray mold and powdery mildew on the wine. If the vine is offered such a location, no measures against mildew and phylloxera are necessary and the Isabella grape is also very resistant to other fungal diseases.
By the way: Since the grape variety 'Isabella' grows on its own roots, it can be propagated very easily using cuttings or layering. You can read more about how this vegetative propagation works in our dedicated article.
The soil should be deep and well drained for the deep rooting vine. When planting the vines in spring or late autumn, it is advisable to loosen the substrate and add fertilizer so that the young stock has optimal starting conditions. An important care measure is the annual pruning of the vine to keep the stock he althy, compact and productive. The strong vigor of the 'Isabella' grape variety can be well controlled by using a medium pruning method. Regular and adjusted fertilizer application is also one of the important care measures and is explained in detail in our special article on fertilizing vines.
Tip: As a vigorous variety with strikingly long tendrils, the 'Isabella' grape variety can also be grown as a pergola. The gnarled shoots also look attractive in winter and the fruits hang freely in late summer.
Harvesting and processing Isabella grapes
Isabella grapes have sufficient sugar levels for making wine. The Isabella grape has proven particularly useful for the production of rosé wines. But with its sweet, berry aroma, the variety has also found its way into table grapes for fresh consumption. Isabella grapes are excellent for making cakes, jellies, chutneys and juice. From the beginning of August to mid-October, the fruits ripen irregularly and can be harvested gradually, which is particularly advantageous for fresh consumption.
So that not too many of the delicious berries are eaten by animal garden dwellers during harvest time, a proud vine owner sometimes has to assert himself against all sorts of interested parties. We support you and explain how to protect grapes against birds and wasps.