Long-lived, high-climbing (up to 60 feet), woody vine capable of reaching into the upper canopy of the tallest trees; trunk base up to 4 inches across; forked tendrils; acidic/tart-tasting grapes become sweet and edible after exposure to frost. Usually distinguished by: 1) coarsely toothed unlobed or obscurely lobed leaves, margin not ciliolate, basal sinus narrow, and 2) black fruit without bloom.