🍇 Blaufränkisch

Blaufränkisch is a red grape of Central Europe. It makes full-bodied, spicy wines. It is thought to originate in Slovenia, and it has its own names in different countries.

In Austria it is grown in Burgenland: Eisenberg, Neusiedlersee, Leithaberg, Carnuntum, Rosalia and Mittelburgenland. In Hungary it is called Kékfrankos and grows in Sopron, Szekszárd and Eger. In Germany it is Lemberger from Württemberg. In Slovakia and Czechia it is Frankovka (Little Carpathians, Moravia), and in Slovenia modra frankinja, for example in the Dolenjska region. The wine is dark, with acidity and tannins, and notes of dark berries and pepper.

The grape matters a lot for breeding. It is a parent of many new varieties: Zweigelt, Blauburger, Rebberger and others. By pedigree, Blaufränkisch descends from Gouais Blanc and Blaue Zimmettraube. It goes well with meat, sausages and cheese. Blaufränkisch is an example of a grape that links several countries and cultures of Central European winemaking.