Grape Variety
Blaufränkisch
“Blue Frankish”
Blaufränkisch is a red wine grape grown in Mittelburgenland, Württemberg, Washington State — known as “Blue Frankish”.
Blaufränkisch at a glance
| Color | Red |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Lemberger, Kékfrankos, Frankovka |
| Signature flavors | Black Pepper, Dark Cherry, Blackberry, Graphite, Violet, Spice, Mineral, Smoke |
| Classic pairings | Duck breast, Venison, Grilled sausages, Aged Gouda, Mushroom dishes |
| Where it grows | Mittelburgenland, Württemberg, Washington State |
The Story
Blaufränkisch ('Blue Frankish') is Austria's answer to great red Burgundy. It's elegant, structured, spicy—black pepper, dark cherry, graphite. Germany calls it 'Lemberger.' Same grape, different name. The Mittelburgenland region produces world-class examples.
Insider Story
Blaufränkisch was dismissed as 'rustic Austrian red' until the 1990s. Then, a group of Mittelburgenland producers (Moric, Gesellmann, Heinrich) started treating it like Grand Cru Burgundy—low yields, old vines, neutral oak, minimal intervention. The result was elegant, mineral, age-worthy Blaufränkisch (10-20 years). Critics loved it.
But Blaufränkisch has an identity problem. In Germany, it's called 'Lemberger' (after the town of Lemberg). In the US, some producers use 'Lemberger,' others 'Blaufränkisch.' Consumers are confused. 'Are these the same grape?'
The answer: yes. DNA confirmed it. But the naming chaos hurts sales. A 2015 proposal to standardize the name globally failed. Austria wants 'Blaufränkisch.' Germany refuses to change 'Lemberger.' The standoff continues.
Technical Deep Dive
Blaufränkisch has medium to high tannins (2,500-3,500 mg/L), high acidity (6-7 g/L), and distinctive black pepper spice (from rotundone, same compound in Syrah). Alcohol: 12.5-14% ABV.
Mittelburgenland's terroir: iron-rich schist soils (Eisenberg = 'Iron Mountain'), continental climate. The schist produces mineral, structured Blaufränkisch. Clay soils produce richer, fruitier styles.
Winemaking: whole-cluster fermentation (30-50%), neutral oak (preserve fruit), extended aging (18-24 months). Some producers use new oak—traditionalists say it kills the spice.
Industry Secrets
German Lemberger (especially from Württemberg) is 30% cheaper than Austrian Blaufränkisch. Same grape, same quality, lower price. Schäfer-Fröhlich's Lemberger is $25-50 vs. $50-100 for equivalent Austrian Blaufränkisch.
Collector’s Corner
Investment grade B-- Auction records
- Moric Lutzmannsburg ($80), Heinrich ($50)
- Blue-chip producers
- ["Moric","Heinrich","Gesellmann","Krutzler"]
- Value picks
- Mittelburgenland ($20-40), German Lemberger ($15-30)
- Price trend
- Stable. Austria not on mainstream collector radar yet.
- Collector’s tip
- Drink, don't invest. Excellent QPR (quality-price ratio). German Lemberger is same grape, 30% cheaper.
Updated March 2026
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