The Kékfrankos
Grape
Known as Blaufränkisch in Austria and other parts of Central Europe, Kékfrankos is a red grape variety that produces wines with a deep color, high acidity, and firm tannins. The wines typically feature flavors of dark berries, cherries, and spices, with an underlying earthy minerality, showcasing good aging potential.
Kékfrankos
Grape History
Kékfrankos, also known as Blaufränkisch, is a red-wine grape variety that has a long and storied history dating back to the Middle Ages. Its name translates to "Blue Frankish" in Hungarian, reflecting its Austrian origins and deep blue-black color when fully ripe. The grape is believed to have originated in the region of Lower Styria (now part of Slovenia) and was later brought to Hungary where it has become one of the country's most widely planted grape varieties.
Historically, Kékfrankos has been known for its versatility and ability to thrive in a variety of climates and soil types. It is particularly well suited to Hungary's continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters, where it produces high-quality grapes with good acidity and moderate levels of tannins. The grape is also grown in Austria, where it is known as Blaufränkisch, and in other Central European countries such as Slovakia and Croatia.
Kékfrankos is often used as a blending grape, particularly in Hungary where it is a key component of the famous Bull's Blood (Egri Bikavér) wine. This traditional blend typically includes a mix of Kékfrankos, Kadarka, and other indigenous Hungarian grape varieties, resulting in a rich, full-bodied wine with spicy notes and dark fruit flavors.
In recent years, Kékfrankos has experienced a resurgence in popularity as winemakers rediscover its potential for producing high-quality, terroir-driven wines. In Hungary, there has been a growing focus on single-varietal Kékfrankos wines that showcase the grape's distinctive characteristics and express the unique terroir of different regions. These wines are known for their vibrant acidity, bright fruit flavors, and complex aromas that can include notes of black pepper, dark cherry, and herbal spices.
As interest in Kékfrankos continues to grow, some producers are experimenting with different winemaking techniques such as extended maceration and aging in oak barrels to highlight the grape's inherent qualities and create wines with great aging potential. Additionally, the rise of organic and biodynamic winemaking practices in Hungary and other Central European countries is also contributing to the renaissance of Kékfrankos as producers seek to craft wines that reflect a sense of place and respect for the environment.
Looking to the future, Kékfrankos is poised to become a flagship variety for Hungary and other Central European wine-producing regions as consumers worldwide develop a greater appreciation for unique, indigenous grape varieties and distinctive terroirs. With its ability to produce wines of exceptional quality and character, Kékfrankos is sure to continue capturing the hearts and palates of wine enthusiasts around the globe for years to come.