What type of wine is Blaufränkisch?

21 minutes read time

You can definitely see me smiling up there — and yes, it’s because I know a glass of Blaufränkisch is waiting for me! So, let me share what makes this grape so special (and why it’s my absolute favorite).

So, what type of wine is Blaufränkisch exactly? Let me tell you why it’s my favorite

Blaufränkisch was first mentioned in 1862 at a wine exhibition in Vienna — but back then, it was called Lemberger. It got its official name, Blaufränkisch, in 1875. The name literally means “blue Frankish” because it was considered a grape of superior quality (basically, the VIP of grapes).

Blaufränkisch isn’t only grown in Austria, — you’ll also find it in Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia, and Bulgaria. It goes by different names depending on where you are:

Lemberger in Germany
Kékfrankos in Hungary
Gamé in Croatia and Bulgaria

For years, people thought Blaufränkisch was the same as Pinot Noir or Gamay Noir — but DNA testing in 2016 cleared things up. It turns out Blaufränkisch is a cross between Gouais Blanc and Blaue Zimmettraube (an old Slovenian variety). So, surprise — it’s technically from Slovenia, not Austria!

If you’re new to Blaufränkisch, let me give you some tips and basic information. Here is my beginner’s guide to Blaufränkisch! Feel free to leave a comment if you’ve learnt anything or wish to complete it with additionnal information.

What Does Blaufränkisch Taste Like? Blaufränkisch is a red grape that knows how to keep things interesting! Depending on where it’s grown and how it’s made, the flavors can range from dark and fruity to spicy and earthy. If I had to sum it up, I’d say Blaufränkisch is like a mix between Northern Rhône Syrah – Bold, peppery, and full of dark fruit, Nebbiolo from Piedmont – Elegant with bright acidity and fine tannins and Red Burgundy Pinot Noir – Smooth and complex with a hint of red fruit. It’s basically the best of all worlds in one glass!

Table of contents

Meet Blaufränkisch
Exploring Blaufränkisch Regions
Flavor Profiles of Blaufränkisch
Understanding Blaufränkisch Labels
Food Pairing with Blaufränkisch
Affordable and Approachable Blaufränkisch Options
Blaufränkisch Tasting Tips
Joining the Blaufränkisch Community
Conclusion: A Beginner’s Guide to Blaufränkisch Wine

Meet Blaufränkisch: Austria’s Best-Kept Secret

If you’ve ever wondered what type of wine is Blaufränkisch, it’s known for its rich flavors and high acidity.

Blaufränkisch has deep roots in Burgenland — it’s been around since the 17th century, thanks to Croatian settlers who introduced it to the region. Today, it’s the star of Burgenland, making up over 60% of all red grape plantings. That’s how much the locals love it!

Blaufränkisch can do it all — from light and fruity to bold and complex. But Burgenland Blaufränkisch? It tends to be full-bodied and complex with rich flavors of dark fruit, spice, and earth — plus that signature high acidity that makes it so refreshing. (Honestly, how could I not love it?)

What makes Blaufränkisch special?

High acidity: Blaufränkisch wines typically have high acidity, which gives them a refreshing finish and helps to balance the richness of the fruit flavors.
Medium to full body: Blaufränkisch wines can range from medium to full body, depending on the region and the winemaker’s style. However, Blaufränkisch wines from Burgenland are typically full-bodied.
Flavors of dark fruit, spice, and earth: Blaufränkisch wines are known for their flavors of dark fruit, such as black cherry, plum, and blackberry. They can also have notes of spice, such as black pepper and clove, and earth.

Why you’ll love it?

Food-friendly: It’s a dream with grilled meats, roasted veggies, and hearty stews.
Great value: High quality without the high price tag — yes, please!
Easy to find: More and more wine shops and restaurants are stocking it — so no excuses!

If you haven’t tried Blaufränkisch yet, trust me — you’re missing out.

Exploring Blaufränkisch: Where It Grows and Why It Matters

Understanding what type of wine is Blaufränkisch means looking at where it’s grown — and Burgenland is where it shines.

Unlike other grape varieties, Blaufränkisch is a bit of a homebody — it never really wandered far from its original vineyards. That’s why you’ll find it mostly in Central Europe, especially in Hungary, Slovenia, and Croatia.

Blaufränkisch by the Numbers:

Croatia – 1,000 ha
Hungary – 20,750 ha (biggest Blaufränkisch grower!)
Austria – 7,700 ha
Germany – 4,000 ha
Slovakia – 3,500 ha
Czech Republic – 3,000 ha
Romania – 2,000 ha
Slovenia – 1,500 ha

But let’s be real — Burgenland, in southeastern Austria is where Blaufränkisch feels most at home. It’s the heart of Austrian red wine country, right next to Hungary and Slovenia.

Top Blaufränkisch Regions in Burgenland

1. Leithaberg (Neusiedlersee Hügelland)

Over 85% of plantings are Blaufränkisch.

The hills here have complex soils: mainly fossil limestone with some schist and gneiss higher up — perfect for structured and elegant wines. The wines are fresh, mineral-driven, and age beautifully.

–> Top producers: Hans Nittnaus, Pittnauer, and my personal favorite — Kollwentz! ❤️

2. Mittelburgenland

Blaufränkisch makes up 55% of plantings.

The warm air from the Pannonian plains combined with rich clay and loam soils creates full-bodied, spicy wines.

Expect bold flavors of dark fruit, black pepper, and clove.
–> Top producers: Prieler, Moric

3. Südburgenland

Soils here are lighter and sandier, producing more elegant and refined wines with bright red fruit and spice. These wines are often more delicate but still complex.

👉 Top producers: Paul Achs, Franz Weninger, St. Nikolaus

Blaufränkisch is also grown in other Austrian regions, such as the Wachau, Carnuntum, and Kremstal. However, the wines from these regions are typically lighter and more fruit-forward than the wines from Burgenland.

Blaufränkisch Beyond Austria

Want to know what type of wine is Blaufränkisch in Hungary versus Austria? Here’s the breakdown.

Hungary (Kékfrankos)

Grown in Villány, Szekszárd, and Eger
Full-bodied and fruity, with flavors of dark cherry, plum, and spice
Often aged in oak for extra structure and complexity

Slovenia (Modra Frankinja)

Grown in Jeruzalem, Haloze, and Posavje
Medium-bodied and elegant with red fruit, spice, and earthy notes
Usually aged in steel tanks to keep the freshness

Croatia (Frankovka)

Often un-oaked, highlighting freshness and purity
Grown in Međimurje, Plešivica, and Slavonia
Lighter-bodied and fruity, with red fruit and spice

Why Does the Region Matter?

The region where Blaufränkisch is grown has a significant impact on the style of wine that is produced. The following are some of the key factors that influence the style of Blaufränkisch wine:

Soil type: The soil type in a region has a major impact on the flavor profile of Blaufränkisch wine.

Limestone (Leithaberg) = Elegant and refined wines
Clay and loam (Mittelburgenland) = Full-bodied and spicy wines
Sandy soils (Südburgenland) = Lighter, more delicate wines with red fruit and spice

Climate: The climate in a region also has an impact on the style of Blaufränkisch wine.

Blaufränkisch is a late-ripening grape — it loves warm soils and a long growing season.

Burgenland’s warm, sunny days and cool nights give Blaufränkisch that perfect balance of ripe fruit and crisp acidity.

Winemaking: The winemaker also plays a role in determining the style of Blaufränkisch wine that is produced.

Some winemakers prefer to produce simple, fruity wines that are aged in large casks. Other winemakers prefer to produce denser wines with greater aging potential.

The style of Blaufränkisch wine has changed over the years. In the 1990s, it was more fashionable to produce heavily oaked wines with maximum power and concentration. However, today’s producers and critics have realized that drinkability and balance should be the major criteria.

As a result, Blaufränkisch wines today are less oaky and show more finesse.

Flavor Profiles of Blaufränkisch

Blaufränkisch is a red grape variety that is known for producing wines with a wide range of flavors, from dark and fruity to spicy and earthy.

The flavor of Blaufränkisch can change quite a bit depending on where it’s grown, the winemaker’s style, and how much oak it sees.

Like Riesling, Blaufränkisch is super sensitive to soil — which makes it pretty fascinating.

Grown on the limestone soils of Leithaberg? You’ll get elegant, refined wines with bright acidity.
On the rich, deep soils of Mittelburgenland? Expect fuller-bodied, spicy wines with bold dark fruit flavors.

That said, most Blaufränkisch wines tend to share some common traits — but more on that in a sec.

Fruit

Blaufränkisch wines are known for their rich fruit flavors, which can range from dark and jammy to bright and red fruit-driven. The specific fruit profile of a Blaufränkisch wine will vary depending on the region where it is grown and the winemaker’s style.

However, some of the most common fruit flavors found in Blaufränkisch wine include black cherry, plum, blackberry, raspberry, strawberry, and cranberry.

Spice

Blaufränkisch wines are also known for their spicy flavors. The most common spices found in Blaufränkisch wine include black pepper, clove, nutmeg, and allspice.

The spicy flavors in Blaufränkisch wine are often attributed to the grape’s thick skin.

Acidity

Blaufränkisch wines typically have high acidity. This high acidity gives Blaufränkisch wines a refreshing finish and helps to balance the richness of the fruit flavors.

Tannins

Blaufränkisch wines also have moderate to high tannins. The tannins in Blaufränkisch wine give the wine structure and body. The tannins in Blaufränkisch wine can be soft and velvety, or they can be more firm and grippy.

The level of tannins in a Blaufränkisch wine will vary depending on the region where it is grown, the winemaker’s style, and the degree of oak aging.

Mix everything and you’ll get unicity

The high acidity and moderate to high tannins balance the richness of the fruit flavors, while the spicy notes add complexity and interest.

Blaufränkisch wines are also known for their ageability, as the tannins soften over time.

Examples of flavor profiles of Blaufränkisch from different regions

Here are some examples of how the interplay of fruit, spice, acidity, and tannins can manifest in different Blaufränkisch wines:

Blaufränkisch from Burgenland, Austria: Blaufränkisch wines from Burgenland are typically full-bodied and complex, with flavors of dark fruit, spice, and earth. The high acidity and moderate to high tannins balance the richness of the fruit flavors.
Blaufränkisch from Hungary: Blaufränkisch wines from Hungary are also full-bodied, but they are often more fruity than the wines from Burgenland. The high acidity and moderate to high tannins balance the richness of the fruit flavors.
Blaufränkisch from Slovenia: Blaufränkisch wines from Slovenia are typically lighter-bodied and more elegant, with flavors of red fruit, spice, and earth. The high acidity and moderate tannins give the wine a refreshing finish.
Blaufränkisch from Croatia: Blaufränkisch wines from Croatia are typically light-bodied and more fruity, with flavors of red fruit, spice, and earth. The high acidity and moderate tannins give the wine a refreshing finish.

Comparison with other well-known grape varieties

The best way to understand and remember something is always to compare it with something we know.

So a few posts for you to check :

Blaufränkisch and Pinot Noir

Blaufränkisch and Zweigelt

If you’re trying to figure out what type of wine is Blaufränkisch, think Syrah meets Nebbiolo with a touch of Pinot Noir.

Understanding Blaufränkisch Labels : What to Look For

Understanding Austrian wine labels

Austrian wine labels can feel a bit intimidating at first — but once you know what to look for, they’re actually pretty straightforward. Thanks to Austria’s strict wine laws (some of the toughest in the world!), you can trust that what’s in the bottle is high-quality and exactly what it claims to be.

Key information on Austrian wine labels

Here’s the key info you’ll always see on an Austrian wine label:
Producer – The name and address of who made the wine.
Wine Name – The name of the wine (sometimes creative, sometimes straightforward).
Vintage – The year the grapes were harvested — useful for gauging quality.
Alcohol Content – Listed as a percentage by volume (ABV).
Regional Classification – Tells you where the wine is from and how strict the production standards are.

Regional classifications in Austria

Austria has three main wine classifications — and knowing them helps you figure out the quality level:

DAC (Districtus Austriae Controllatus) – This is the top-tier classification. DAC wines come from a specific region and meet strict quality standards. If you see Leithaberg DAC or Mittelburgenland DAC on the label, you know it’s a high-quality, regionally expressive Blaufränkisch.
Qualitätswein (QW) – Made from Austrian-grown grapes and held to solid quality standards, but the rules aren’t as strict as for DAC wines.
Landwein (LW) – The most relaxed category. Still Austrian-grown, but fewer production rules — so you might find some experimental styles here.

How to Read a Blaufränkisch Label Like a Pro

Look for the DAC Classification
- A Blaufränkisch with a DAC label = high quality + regional character.
- Leithaberg DAC? Expect elegance and minerality.
- Mittelburgenland DAC? Full-bodied, spicy goodness.
Check for a Vineyard Name
- If the label mentions a vineyard (like Ried Kollwentz), it’s likely a more premium wine that reflects the unique soil and climate of that spot.
- Leithaberg vineyards = refined and mineral-driven.
- Mittelburgenland vineyards = fuller, spicier wines.
Pay Attention to the Vintage
- Warmer years = riper, more flavorful wines.
- Cooler years = more acidity and freshness.
- Vintage differences are big in Austria — so check the year!

Tips for Buying Blaufränkisch

Here are some tips for reading and interpreting Blaufränkisch wine labels:

Look for wines that are made from 100% Blaufränkisch grapes. This will ensure that you are getting a wine that is true to the grape variety.
If you are new to Blaufränkisch wine, I recommend starting with a lighter-bodied and more fruit-forward wine. As you become more familiar with the grape, you can experiment with more full-bodied and complex wines.
If you are interested in learning more about a particular Blaufränkisch wine, do some research on the producer and the region where the wine is grown. This can help you to learn more about the style of the wine and what to expect when you taste it.

Once you crack the code on Austrian wine labels, it’s like having insider knowledge at the wine shop.

What to Eat with Blaufränkisch

Knowing what type of wine is Blaufränkisch helps when it comes to food pairing — grilled meats, stews, and cheese are perfect matches.

Blaufränkisch is one of those wines that plays well with almost anything on the table — from a juicy steak to a simple cheese board. Its bold fruit flavors, lively acidity, and spicy notes make it super versatile when it comes to food pairing.

Two Simple Rules for Wine and Food Pairing

If it grows together, it goes together — Austrian Blaufränkisch + Central European flavors = a match made in heaven.

It has to taste good to YOU — There’s no “wrong” pairing if you love it.

Perfect Blaufränkisch Pairings

Grilled Meats:

Blaufränkisch’s bold fruit and firm tannins make it a dream with grilled steak, lamb, and pork.
Go for cuts with a bit of marbling — the fat will soften the tannins and balance the flavors.

Try: A Blaufränkisch from Mittelburgenland with a grilled ribeye.

Roasted Vegetables:

The bright acidity and dark fruit notes in Blaufränkisch pair beautifully with roasted eggplant, squash, and mushrooms.
A Leithaberg DAC Blaufränkisch (known for its minerality and elegance) works perfectly here.

Try: Roasted butternut squash with a Blaufränkisch from Leithaberg.

Hearty Stews

The bold, spicy flavors of Blaufränkisch can stand up to rich, slow-cooked dishes like goulash or beef bourguignon.
A full-bodied, tannic Blaufränkisch will balance out the richness.

Try: Hungarian goulash with a Blaufränkisch from Mittelburgenland.

Charcuterie

Blaufränkisch’s spice and acidity cut through the richness of cured meats like salami, prosciutto, and chorizo.
A fruit-forward Blaufränkisch from Mittelburgenland or Hungary works best here.

Try: A charcuterie board with Blaufränkisch from Hungary (where it’s known as Kékfrankos).

Cheese

Hard cheeses like cheddar and Parmesan love Blaufränkisch’s structure and acidity.
Soft cheeses like Brie and Camembert pair beautifully with the wine’s fruit and spice notes.

Try: A cheese platter with Blaufränkisch from Croatia (Frankovka) — fruity and easy-drinking.

Beginner-Friendly Pairings

If you’re just getting into Blaufränkisch, start here:

Grilled burgers + Blaufränkisch from Burgenland
Roasted chicken + Blaufränkisch from Mittelburgenland
Spaghetti and meatballs + Blaufränkisch from Slovenia
Cheese platter + Blaufränkisch from Croatia
Charcuterie board + Blaufränkisch from Hungary

How to Nail the Perfect Pairing:

✅ Match the weight: Heavier dishes (like steak) need a full-bodied Blaufränkisch with moderate to high tannins. Lighter dishes work better with a fruitier, lighter-bodied Blaufränkisch.

✅ Balance the richness: Richer dishes with lots of fat or cream need a Blaufränkisch with good acidity to keep things fresh.

✅ Complement the flavors: The fruit and spice notes in Blaufränkisch work well with earthy, smoky, and savory flavors — think grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and umami-rich dishes.

Here you can find more examples and help you make your own pairings.

Affordable and Approachable Blaufränkisch Options

Blaufränkisch is one of those grapes that can go from light and fruity to full-bodied and complex — which is part of why I love it. But… let’s be real — some Blaufränkisch wines can get pricey, especially from top Austrian producers.

The good news? You don’t need to spend a lot to experience what type of wine is Blaufränkisch — there are plenty of budget-friendly options.

How to Find Great Blaufränkisch Without the High Price Tag

1. Look Beyond Austria

Blaufränkisch isn’t just an Austrian thing — it’s also grown in Hungary (as Kékfrankos), Slovenia (as Modra Frankinja), and Croatia (as Frankovka). Wines from these countries are often more budget-friendly but still high-quality.

Try a Hungarian Kékfrankos from Villány — fruity, spicy, and easy-drinking.

2. Explore Lesser-Known Austrian Regions

You don’t need to stick to the big names like Leithaberg to find good Blaufränkisch.

Mittelburgenland and Südburgenland produce incredible Blaufränkisch that’s usually more affordable.
Mittelburgenland = fuller-bodied and spicy
Südburgenland = lighter and more refined

Try a Mittelburgenland Blaufränkisch for bold flavors without the big price tag.

3. Hit the Discount Wine Shops

Discount wine retailers often stock great value Blaufränkisch — and they’re not always listed under the fancy labels, so dig a little!

4. Watch for Sales

Keep an eye out for special offers — you’d be surprised how often you can score a premium Blaufränkisch for a steal.

Pro tip: End-of-season sales are often the best time to grab a deal!Wine shops often have seasonal sales — keep an eye out for Blaufränkisch deals!

Tips for Buying on a Budget

1) Read the Label Carefully

Wines from lesser-known producers and regions are often cheaper but just as delicious.
Look for “Mittelburgenland DAC” or “Südburgenland” — they tend to offer great value.

2) Ask for Recommendations

Don’t be shy — the staff at a good wine shop can help you find affordable Blaufränkisch that matches your taste.

3) Experiment!

The best way to find your favorite Blaufränkisch? Try different ones at different price points. Some of the best wines are hidden gems!

Beginner-Friendly Blaufränkisch Recommendations

Hungarian Kékfrankos from Villány – Fruity, spicy, and easy to drink.
Blaufränkisch from Mittelburgenland – Bold and structured but affordable.
Slovenian Modra Frankinja from Jeruzalem – Elegant with bright red fruit and spice.
Croatian Frankovka from Plešivica – Light-bodied and fruity — a perfect starter.

Looking for more producer recommendations or online shops to buy Blaufränkisch online?

Joining the Blaufränkisch Community

If you’re falling in love with Blaufränkisch (trust me, I get it!), you’re not alone. There are plenty of online communities where you can dive deeper, discover new wines, and connect with other Blaufränkisch fans.

Where to Connect Online:

Blaufränkisch Lovers – A fun Facebook group for sharing recommendations and asking questions.
Blaufränkisch Subreddit – Perfect for deep dives and discussions with fellow wine lovers.
Blaufränkisch Wine Forum – Great for learning about new producers and vintages.

These communities are goldmines for tips, hidden gems, and insider knowledge — plus, you get to geek out with people who love Blaufränkisch as much as you do!

Attend a Tasting

One of the best ways to learn more about Blaufränkisch? Tastings!

Many wine shops and restaurants offer Blaufränkisch-focused tastings — an easy (and delicious) way to explore different styles and producers.

Or else…i know I do! Book your private tasting with me!

My Top Blaufränkisch Resources:

1)Diane Wine Voyage (obviously! 😉)
2)Blaufränkisch Experience – Events and tastings focused on Blaufränkisch.
3)Blaufränkisch Society – A group dedicated to connecting Blaufränkisch lovers worldwide.
4)Blaufränkisch International – Great for finding tastings and Blaufränkisch news.

So — ready to join the Blaufränkisch fan club? Let me know in the comments where you’ve found your favorite bottle!

Conclusion: What type of wine is Blaufränkisch?

So now you know what type of wine is Blaufränkisch — versatile, delicious, and a must-try for any red wine lover.”

Blaufränkisch is a red grape variety that is known for producing wines with a wide range of flavors, from dark and fruity to spicy and earthy. The specific flavor profile of a Blaufränkisch wine will vary depending on the region where it is grown and the winemaker’s style.

However, all Blaufränkisch wines have a few things in common: they are typically full-bodied, have moderate to high acidity, and have moderate to high tannins.

Concerning it’s tasting profile, I’d say it’s a mix between northern Rhône Syrah, Nebbiolo from Italy’s Piedmont and Red Burgundy Pinot Noir.

Blaufränkisch wines are a great choice for beginners because they are versatile and can be paired with a variety of foods. Blaufränkisch wines are also relatively affordable, especially when compared to other red grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

If you are new to Blaufränkisch wine, here are a few tips:

Start with a Blaufränkisch wine from a lesser-known region, such as Mittelburgenland or Südburgenland. These wines are often more affordable than wines from more famous regions, such as Leithaberg.
Look for Blaufränkisch wines that are made by smaller, boutique producers. These producers often make wines that are more unique and expressive than wines from larger, commercial producers.
Don’t be afraid to experiment. There are many great Blaufränkisch wines available at a variety of price points. Try different wines to find ones that you like and that fit your budget.

Once you have tried a few different Blaufränkisch wines, you can start to explore more complex and nuanced wines from different regions and producers. There is a whole world of Blaufränkisch wine out there waiting to be discovered!

Next time someone asks you what type of wine is Blaufränkisch, you’ll have the answer!