{"id":4700,"date":"2019-09-29T11:29:57","date_gmt":"2019-09-29T15:29:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/?post_type=grape&p=4700"},"modified":"2023-11-09T23:37:46","modified_gmt":"2023-11-10T04:37:46","slug":"blaufrankisch","status":"publish","type":"grape","link":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/grape\/blaufrankisch\/","title":{"rendered":"Blaufr\u00e4nkisch"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Blaufr\u00e4nkisch Wine Profile<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Originally hailing from what is currently Slovenia, Blaufr\u00e4nkisch is considered one of Austria\u2019s signature red grape varieties alongside Zweigelt. It produces a lighter-bodied, spicy wine with bright acidity that is the perfect pairing for Austro-Hungarian dishes. It is a late-ripening grape that primarily thrives in cooler climates. Blaufrankisch simply means \u201cBlue Frankish,\u201d a reference to the blue-hued grapes and its noble grape heritage. (In German-speaking regions, grape vines were once delineated out between table grapes and \u2018noble\u2019 grapes for wine.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blaufr\u00e4nkisch Tasting Notes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Like so many other wine grapes, Blaufr\u00e4nkisch does go by many different aliases<\/strong><\/a>, including but not limited to Lemberger, Kekfrankos,<\/strong> and Gam\u00e9<\/strong>. No matter what it’s called, it produces medium-to-light bodied red wines with solid tannic structure and bold acidity. On the nose, expect red currant, black cherry and blackberry fruit notes intermixed with spicy cardamom, black pepper and earth. On the palate, its acidity brightens up the fruit and just begs for food. While it\u2019s tasty on its own, Blaufr\u00e4nkisch tends to really shine with food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Food Pairings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For pairings, rely upon the old \u201cIf it grows together, it goes together\u201d adage. Blaufr\u00e4nkisch is stellar with schnitzel, red cabbage, borscht, bratwurst and spaetzle. When produced as Bull\u2019s Blood in Hungary, think more towards hearty goulash. Despite being more medium-bodied, it works well with winter fare because its acidity compliments richer sauces and its flavor enhances that of the food without overwhelming the palate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wine Growing Regions for Blaufr\u00e4nkisch<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As its many aliases imply, Blaufr\u00e4nkisch is grown in many places throughout Europe and more recently, around the world. It\u2019s best known for its growth in Austria, but can also be found in the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia and Italy. In the United States, it\u2019s found in the Finger Lakes, Pennsylvania and on Long Island in New York State. It can also be found throughout California, Oregon and Washington. Here\u2019s a quick reference chart that matches its aliases to where its grown:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

Country<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>

\n

Name<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td><\/tr>

\n

Austria<\/p>\n<\/td>

\n

Blaufr\u00e4kisch<\/p>\n<\/td><\/tr>

\n

Bulgaria<\/p>\n<\/td>

\n

Gam\u00e9<\/p>\n<\/td><\/tr>

\n

Croatia<\/p>\n<\/td>

\n

Blaufr\u00e4nkisch<\/p>\n<\/td><\/tr>

\n

Czech Republic<\/p>\n<\/td>

\n

Frankovka<\/p>\n<\/td><\/tr>

\n

Germany<\/p>\n<\/td>

\n

Blaufr\u00e4kisch<\/p>\n<\/td><\/tr>

\n

Hungary<\/p>\n<\/td>

\n

K\u00e9kfrankos (part of Bull\u2019s Blood, or Egri Bikav\u00e9r)<\/p>\n<\/td><\/tr>

\n

Serbia<\/p>\n<\/td>

\n

Frankovka<\/p>\n<\/td><\/tr>

\n

Slovakia<\/p>\n<\/td>

\n

Frankovka modr\u00e1<\/p>\n<\/td><\/tr>

\n

Slovenia<\/p>\n<\/td>

\n

Modr\u00e1 frankinja<\/p>\n<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Throughout the United States, it is usually known as Lemberger or Blaufrankisch (without the accent found over the second \u2018a\u2019).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check out some of these Blaufr\u00e4nkisch wines from around the world: <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n