Kékfrankos

History

A true Central European variety whose origin is not entirely clear, despite boasting a wealth of exciting stories and legends. According to the latest research, it probably originated on the territory of present-day Austria and is a natural crossing of Blaue Zimmettraube and Gouais Blanc. It is first mentioned in Austria (as Blaufränkish) and Germany (known as Lemberg in the state of Württemberg) in the mid-1800s. It was first mentioned in Hungary in 1890, its old synonym was Nagyburgundi. According to Napoleonic legend, the Sopron winegrowers had to be paid with the more valuable ‘blue francs’. This, however, might well only be a legend, as Sopron was rather planted to white varieties at that time and the variety was only registered in the country later.

What its wine tastes like

If it had to be summed up in one single sentence, you could say that it is a versatile, high-quality variety. It can yield not only rosés and fruity reds, but also appealing wines in the form of full-bodied, oak-aged wines and the abovementioned blends. Its wines are most often (depending on the style) fresh, fruity and reminiscent of strawberry, raspberry and violet with floral and delicately spicy notes. It is characterised by pronounced acidity and moderately intense tannins. It adapts well to various terroirs and shows an affinity for barrique ageing. Wines made from Kékfrankos are appealing from various aspects. It is the most planted variety in Hungary today, is capable of high quality and diverse styles, is also able to reflect the characteristics of the terroir and is a true local, Carpathian Basin variety.