Blaufrankisch
Red wine grape variety
Also known as Lemberger (Germany/USA), Kekfrankos Austria/Germany spelling
Blaufrankisch is a red wine grape with signature aromas of iron filings, black pepper, violet. Structure: Medium body, High acidity, Medium(+) tannin, Medium alcohol. Often confused with Syrah and Pinot Noir.
Recognition cues
First checks
- Start with acidity: many examples are vivid and linear despite medium body.
- Look for sour cherry and black pepper before defaulting to Syrah (#11748) or Pinot Noir (#9279).
Confidence signals
- Sour-cherry and pepper pairing
- High acidity with medium body
Aromas
Signature
Common
Occasional
Commonly confused with
Classic anchors
- Classic regions: Burgenland · Sopron · Mittelburgenland · Washington State
- Classic styles: High-acid spicy central European red · Structured oak-aged Burgenland red
Common questions
Is Blaufrankisch a red or white grape variety?
Blaufrankisch is a red wine grape variety.
What does Blaufrankisch smell and taste like?
Signature aromas of Blaufrankisch include iron filings, black pepper and violet. Structural profile: Medium body, High acidity, Medium(+) tannin, Medium alcohol.
What blind-tasting cues distinguish Blaufrankisch?
Documented tells for Blaufrankisch: Start with acidity: many examples are vivid and linear despite medium body. and Look for sour cherry and black pepper before defaulting to Syrah (#11748) or Pinot Noir (#9279)..
What is Blaufrankisch most often confused with in blind tasting?
Blaufrankisch is most commonly confused with Syrah, Pinot Noir and Sangiovese. Resolve the call with structure and signature aromas.
Where is Blaufrankisch grown?
Classic regions for Blaufrankisch include Burgenland, Sopron, Mittelburgenland and Washington State.