Blaufrankisch is an Austro-Hungarian variety grown widely across the Carpathian Basin and is thought to have originated in Lower Styria, now part of Slovenia. In Hungary, where it has its largest plantings, it's known as Kekfrankos, and it plays the leading role in the region’s Bikavér (Bull’s Blood) blend. Also known as Modra Frankinja in Slovenia, Blauer Limberger/Lemberger in Germany, Gamé in Bulgaria (commonly mistaken for the Gamay Noir grape), Blaufrankisch is widely cultivated in Slovakia and the Czech Republic where it is known as Frankovka. The variety is also found in tiny amounts in the USA. Austria’s most planted red variety, Zweigelt, is the result of a Blaufrankisch crossing with St Laurent.
These food friendly Blaufrankisch wines are characterised by their rich, black fruit (blackberry, black cherry) flavours and dark chocolate notes contrasted by peppery, all-spice flavours with medium-high tannins and acidity.
Food pairings include smoked sausage, red potato goulash, and spätzle egg noodles.
