Blaufränkisch (Lemberger)

Also known as: Lemberger (Germany), Kékfrankos (Hungary), Frankovka (Slovakia, Czech Republic)

Blaufränkisch is the backbone of Austrian red wine production – particularly around Neusiedlersee and in Mittelburgenland, where the variety develops its characteristic blend of sour cherry, white pepper and cool spice on calcareous soils. No jam, no over-ripeness, but clear fruit and present tannin.

The pinnacle is shown by Heinrich and Moric: Gernot Heinrich works biodynamically in Gols, whilst Roland Velich of Moric has made Blaufränkisch internationally acceptable with his single-vineyard wines from Neckenmarkt and Lutzmannsburg. Add to that Nittnaus with precise, accessible wines – three signatures, one grape variety that is finally receiving the attention it deserves.