One of Austria's greatest red grapes but also found throughout central and eastern Europe, the Bläufrankisch is a productive and popular varietal similar to the Gamay grape in France. So similar in fact that for years it was thought to be the Gamay, and in Hungary it is still called the Gamé today. This grape produces wines that are light, fruity, dry and high in acidity, with aromas and flavors of raspberries, black currants and licorice. It also takes well to judicious use of new oak.
Look to the eastern Austrian region of Burgunland for the best examples of Bläufrankisch, though it also grows well in Germany under the synonym Limberger. Other regions include Washington State in the U.S. under the name Lemberger and also Friuli, in northeastern Italy where it is known as Franconia. Under the name Kákfrankos it is a big part of the revival of Hungarian wine, particularly in the regions of Szekszárd and Eger.
Black