The hills are alive...with Blaufränkisch

As grape names go,Blaufränkisch may not trip off the tongue. But hell, even if you cannot pronounce it, just say: “I’ll have that cool Austrian red wine from Burgenland...you know the one:

• It is one of the parent grapes of Zweigelt (the most planted red grape in Austria)

• It buds early and ripens late

• It thrives in a warmer climate; therefore Burgenland is perfect as the warm breezes coming over the Pannonian plain of Hungary temper the cooler temperatures from Western Europe (the region is located right beside Hungary and only became part of Austria proper in 1918)

• In Germany and Washington State, the grape goes by the name Lemberger. The Hungarians use the name Kékfrankos

• On the palate, one finds notes of red cherries, pepper, red currants, bramble and eucalyptus; it tends to have high tannin and acidity and therefore can take well to being aged in new oak barrels (though some heathens treat it like Aussie Shiraz and crush it with highly toasted barrels) You should also know that Blaufränkisch is addictive and can lead to bouts of enlightenment and feelings of euphoria.

However, if you hear voices in the night with German accents, consult Shirley Maclaine...it could be Falco singing excerpts from  Rock Me Amadeus.”

Excerpted from the Hearth Winelist, full pdf available here

Previously: By drinking Riesling, you become a better person.