The Wine Reference🍷 SupportBlaufränkisch grape
Blaufränkisch is a red grape known for blackberry, cherry, pepper. Its best-known homes are Burgenland.
Origin and history
Central European, with roots in the old Austro-Hungarian lands; the 'fränkisch' tag was a medieval mark of quality grapes rather than a link to Franconia.
Where it grows
Burgenland in Austria (Mittelburgenland, Leithaberg, Eisenberg), Sopron, Eger and Szekszárd in Hungary, Württemberg in Germany, plus Slovenia and Croatia.
Structure
Medium to full body, bright high acidity and firm, fine-grained tannins; cooler sites give a lighter, more mineral style.
Aromas, young and aged
Young: blackberry, dark cherry, black pepper and violet. With age: forest floor, dried cherry, spice and savoury earth.
Ageing
Simple examples drink within 2–5 years; top single-vineyard Burgenland wines age 10–20 years.
Also known as
Lemberger (Germany), Kékfrankos (Hungary), Frankovka (Czechia, Slovakia, Croatia), Modra Frankinja (Slovenia).
Good to know
It is a parent of Zweigelt, Austria's most planted red, which was bred from Blaufränkisch and St. Laurent in 1922.
Similar red grapes
Explore all grapes in the interactive guide
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