HOT NEW SINGLE VARIETALS - BLAUFRÄNKISCH
Blaufränkisch is one of Austria’s most beloved grapes, and it’s a grape you should definitely know.
Don’t let its name intimidate you, you can just call it, “Blau,” if you prefer. This stunning, richly hued grape is the perfect red for those who are looking for a lighter-bodied wine with good acidity and plenty of well-integrated tannins. Blau used to be a bit of a geekier varietal that was only known within the wine community. Recently, it’s been having a bit of a moment, and is starting to grow in terms of popularity.
CAPTIONED FROM LEFT: Blaufränkisch, Chenin Blanc, Pinot Gris, Cabernet Sauvignon
I like Blaufränkisch because it’s elegant. Though the wine looks like it’s going to be enormous - it’s an incredibly inky, darkly hued wine, it’s actually really soft and easy to drink. It pairs pretty effortlessly with meat-based or mushroom-based dishes and is the perfect wine you’ll want to have multiple glasses of. For people who don’t like extremely tannic and angular wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or even some Syrahs, Blau is the perfect more chilled out version of a richer, fuller-bodied red.
Blau is the ultimate food wine, and I would compare it to Zinfandel or Malbec in terms of fruit. Body-wise it will definitely be on the lighter end of the spectrum, more like Pinot Noir. Interestingly enough, Blaufränkisch is the parent grape of Gamay and Zweigelt (another Austrian grape). The word, “Blaufränkisch” literally translates to, “the blue wine of Franconia,” because of its distinctively dark hue.
The History of Blaufränkisch
People were drinking Blau as far back as the Middle Ages. The first records of this grape ever being mentioned were in the late 1800s, at an exhibition in Vienna. The earliest plantings of this grape were found in Eastern Austria, on the border of Germany and Hungary.
Where Blaufränkisch grows
Blau can be found in a lot of places. You can find plantings of it in Austria, Hungary, Italy, Australia, Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania and even the US.
Cooler climate Blaus (Austria, Hungary, Germany) are definitely going to be more herbal. You can expect a lot of aromas of crushed black pepper, and blackberry flavors. There’s going to be plenty of pleasant acidity to this wine, making it perfect for fattier dishes.
Warm climate Blaus (Australia, USA) are going to have a lot more fruitier characteristics. You can expect aromas of allspice, and chocolate to these bad boys as well.
What to pair Blaufränkisch with
You know that saying, “What goes together grows together?” For Blau’s case, picture sausages, schnitzel, and hearty stews. If Austrian food isn’t exactly your thing, don’t trip. Blau is versatile enough where it can go with a lot of different types of food. I’ve had Blaufränkisch with pizza and it was to die for.
The only thing I wouldn’t pair it with would be salads or simple roast vegetable dishes. I would try to think rich, fattier foods when pairing this wine. It’s almost a LBD wine. And now, let’s discuss the—
PICK OF THE WEEK: 2019 Straka Amphora Red $25.00 @ Stanley’s Wet Goods
If you love Pinot Noir and light Italian red varietals, listen up. The Straka Amphora Red is what herbaceous, elegant, and easy-going red wine dreams are made of! Picture ripe cranberry jelly with just a kiss of white pepper and thyme. There’s a pleasant, zingy sort of quality to this wine and at its core? Dried rose petals.
The amphora aging on this puppy definitely yields fresh red fruit in full high def, and there’s this really pleasant dusty leathery aroma on the nose - like your favorite motorcycle jacket. Try pairing this wine with anything you would pair a Beaujolais or Etna Rosso with - I’m thinking pizza, pad see ew, and maybe some al pastor tacos.
Blau is definitely one of those esoteric varietals you should know about, especially if you’re looking for a light red wine that is guaranteed to go with pretty much everything and every possible occasion. Lighter red wines are excellent choices for Fall, and this Blau can effortlessly translate from casual drinks with friends, to Netflix and chill, to something you can have with any hearty dish at dinner.
As we get into the holiday season, bring some Blau to any family shenanigans -this versatile crowd pleasing wine is certainly a great conversation starter.