The Wine Front – "Cherry juice, peat and pencils, dried herbs and spice. It's medium-bodied, sour dark cherries with an earthy fungal quality, bright sappy acidity, distinct 'mineral' character here to both acidity and tannin, all silty and rich, with a glassy and juicy finish of excellent length. It's kind of an 'off-road' wine, but really interesting and good to drink." - Gary Walsh (The Wine Front)
The Wine Front – Dark cherry, sweet spices, some liquorice and dried roses. Medium-bodied, damp earth, juniper and dried herb, tangy blackberry, firm glassy acidity and Turkish coffee tannin, game meat and blood plum on a finish of good length. - Gary Walsh, The Wine Front
James Suckling – “Very charming and fragrant nose with a ton of red and purple flowers, forest berries and touches of thyme and rosemary. Bursting with fruit on the moderately sleek palate, but there’s wonderful, saline freshness that lifts this, making it dance on your tongue. So vibrant at the long, pure finish. Drink or hold.”- Stuart Pigott, jamessuckling.com
James Suckling – “Intense ruby with narrow purple rim. Delicate, savoury black cherries, a touch of liquorice, tobacco nuances, a little nougat and blueberry. Taut, tightly meshed, peppery savouriness, racy structure, fresh and persistent, salty finish, a dash of Darjeeling tea on the back palate; still very young, needs time.”- Stuart Pigott, jamessuckling.com
Blaufrankisch, often regarded as Austria's premier red wine grape, has an illustrious history that dates back centuries. The grape's name translates to "blue Frankish," a nod to its deep, blue-skinned berries and historical ties to the ancient Franks. With a unique profile that intermingles ripe berry flavors with a spicy kick, it's no wonder that this varietal has garnered a devoted following among wine enthusiasts.
The wine often boasts an inky deep hue, accompanied by a medium to full body that offers a delightful mouthfeel. Its characteristic peppery notes are complemented by flavors of blackberries, cherries, and sometimes even hints of dark chocolate. What sets Blaufrankisch apart is its remarkable ability to reflect its terroir. The subtle differences in aroma and taste based on where it's grown makes tasting different Blaufrankisch wines an exciting journey of discovery. This varietal's versatility also shines when it comes to food pairings, making it a favorite choice for various cuisines from hearty meat dishes to lighter vegetarian fare. It's a wine that invites exploration and promises a delightful experience with every glass.
Blaufrankisch is a captivating red wine grape variety that primarily originates from Central Europe, especially Austria. This grape is known for its deep, inky color and presents a perfect harmony of rich berry flavors and a subtle spicy undertone. A sip of Blaufrankisch often reveals hints of dark berries, especially cherries and blackberries, intertwined with a touch of pepper, making it a favorite among red wine enthusiasts. Its tannic structure and medium to full-bodied nature provides a rounded mouthfeel, which is both elegant and inviting.
The prime region associated with top-notch Blaufrankisch wines is Austria, particularly the Burgenland area. However, the grape has also found a home in regions of Hungary, Germany, and even parts of the United States. Each region adds its unique signature, influenced by the local terroir. In Austria, the wines tend to be more structured with pronounced minerality, while Hungarian versions may offer a slightly rounder profile.
Some of the most sought-after Blaufrankisch wines come from renowned Austrian vineyards, showcasing the grape's ability to produce both entry-level wines and more complex, age-worthy bottles. Names like Moric, Heinrich, and Umathum frequently emerge as fan favorites, delivering consistent quality year after year.
While there are several premium Blaufrankisch wines, the grape is also known for its outstanding value offerings. Many Austrian producers craft wines that are not only affordable but also offer exceptional quality, complexity, and aging potential for their price point. Exploring lesser-known regions or young vineyard offerings can often lead to discovering hidden gems that over-deliver in terms of value.
The versatile nature of Blaufrankisch makes it a favorite for food pairings. Its berry-forward profile with a hint of spice pairs excellently with dishes like grilled meats, particularly beef and lamb. The wine's inherent pepperiness complements spiced dishes, making it a match for various cuisines, from European stews to some Asian preparations. Furthermore, its balanced acidity ensures it can be paired with lighter dishes like roasted vegetables or pasta, making Blaufrankisch a go-to wine for many gastronomic adventures.
We aim to have all wines be vintage specific. In the case the listed vintage is out of stock and you note you would like that particular vintage, we will inform you via email for approval to go ahead.
Delivery Times
To be able to supply such a unique & extensive range of boutique wines, we don't hold much of the inventory. So with us, there is the added step of receiving the wine from our local suppliers before it is dispatched to you. Most orders are dispatched within 3-6 working days.
Quality Guarantee
Replacement or refund offered if bottles are faulty or damaged. All our deliveries are insured against loss, however you must notify us in a reasonable amount of time.
Sending a Gift
If you would like to include a gift message with your order, please enter that in the order instructions section. We'll print your message in a lovely font on A5 paper. We also won't include the invoice. Tracking will be sent to the email on file.
We aim to have all wines be vintage specific. In the case the listed vintage is out of stock and you note you would like that particular vintage, we will inform you via email for approval to go ahead.
To be able to supply such a unique & extensive range of boutique wines, we don't hold much of the inventory. So with us, there is the added step of receiving the wine from our local suppliers before it is dispatched to you. Most orders are dispatched within 3-6 working days.
Replacement or refund offered if bottles are faulty or damaged. All our deliveries are insured against loss, however you must notify us in a reasonable amount of time.
If you would like to include a gift message with your order, please enter that in the order instructions section. We'll print your message in a lovely font on A5 paper. We also won't include the invoice. Tracking will be sent to the email on file.