Fragolino

[scordelia]

I read somewhere that you could not get real fragolino anymore because the grape is American (oh no!) and the EU banned commercial production. Is this true?

[divina]

it is an underground production.

I think the grape is called Clinton, and is not approved for wine making.

I can get it sometimes..and two shops in FLorence.

CAsa del Vino and Pitti Gola.

Look in Venice!

[Bill Klapp]

It is the dominant eating grape in my area of the Piemonte (Neive), and in such abundant supply that I never see it sold anywhere. My Italian friends just give me a basketful now and again.

[scordelia]

Look in Venice!

←

That is where I first had it a few years ago. I was hoping to find some in Rome this fall.

Also, here is the information on the grape that I found in the Winegrape Glossary:

ISABELLA:

Moderately cold-resistant American labruscana grape grown on limited acreages in New York state for use as a tablegrape and in varietal and sparkling wine blends. A selected "bud sport" cultivar is currently grown in California under the name Pierce (has synonym name Royal Isabella). Still grown in cooler regions of Italy and Australia, where it is named Fragola. A selection with the name Albany Surprise is now grown in New Zealand. Also found in eastern Europe under a variety of alias names, (such as Seksarda in Croatia, former province of Yugoslavia and as Izabella in Hungary and Georgia CIS). This historically significant variety has over fifty synonym names (see Geilweilerhof database in the Foreword section above) as a result of its post-phylloxera popularity in the late 19th century. Thought to be derived from a native Vitis Labrusca grape of N. America and an unknown european vinifera probably created by random pollination as a result of the 18th century attempts to establish European vines in the U.S. Reputedly discovered in Dorchester, N. Carolina around 1816 it was promoted by William R. Prince, an influential nursery owner established in Flushing, N.Y, and named after a famous "southern belle", the wife of Col. George Gibbs. Currently being selectively removed and replaced by varieties that lack the "grapey/foxy" taste and flavor of this grape although it still has its admirers. Modern winemaking techniques have succeeded in eradicating the agent responsible, resulting in a popular, strawberry/boysenbery-like flavored wine where those techniques are practiced. It is still grown in quantity in Brazil and other fungus prone regions of South America. An example of random hybridization involving only N. American vine species that resulted in a successful wine is the Norton grape. (See below).

Edited August 18, 2006 by scordelia (log)

[Bill Klapp]

Scordelia, your definition raises an interesting point. My Italian friends who supply the grapes always call it the "American grape", and always seem a little amazed that they like them so much, since so few American foods suit them...

[ludja]

This grape or a variant of it is also found in Austria in the states of Burgenland, in the south and Styria. It is usually made as a red wine and is called "Uhudler". I recall it as a full-bodied red wine, which is not so common in Austria, but I would like to try it again as I can't fully remember the taste. The wine is not very common and has a kind cult status for its admirers.

Uhudler Wine

Edited August 19, 2006 by ludja (log)

[Adam Balic]

I was given a bottle of "Uhudler" recently, I believe that is is quite rare even in Austria. This was a rose wine, quite dry, and as soon as I smelt the glass I knew it had some Vitis Labrusca ancestory - grape bubble-gum flavour.

[hathor]

It still around in Umbria. Our local COOP had it last summer, I haven't looked for it this summer, but I'll check around.

Andrew, you say bubble gum like it was a bad thing.....

[Swisskaese]

I had in it Fruili. A former roommate's father made it. It was delicious, but he explained to me that it is illegal. I felt like he was giving me moonshine. But, this was 11 years ago already.

Edited August 29, 2006 by Swisskaese (log)

[Andrew Fenton]

Andrew, you say bubble gum like it was a bad thing.....

Hey, don't insult Adam by calling him that! He deserves better.

[Merseymike]

Oh, you can get it easily in Venice!

Sold under the counter and unlabelled. You'll soon find out where it is sold!