Blaufränkisch Grape Variety
Curious about the Blaufränkisch grape variety??
Many wine lovers and wine students associate the Blaufränkisch grape variety with Austria.
Yet did you realize that Blaufränkischis a popular grape grown in the USA State of New Jersey?
Wine lovers learned more about New Jersey’s Blaufränkisch production in a webinar lead by Dr José Vouillamoz.
Dr José Vouillamoz reigns as one of the world’s leading authorities on the origin and parentage of grape varieties through DNA profiling. He is an author of Jancis Robinson book, Wine Grapes.
The Blaufränkisch grape variety thrives as a cross between Gouais Blanc and Blaue Zimmettraube.
In his presentation, Dr. Vouillamoz noted that the color of the Blaufränkisch is darker than its Austrian cousin. He also detects additional notes of blackberries and spice.
Participants tried five different New Jersey wines from five different producers. Vintages for this Blaufrankisch grape variety spanned from 2016 to 2019 – all were delicious!
Blaufränkisch Wine Tasting
The Blaufränkisch Wines
Bellview 2016 – Deep red-purple color, ripe fruit, dark cherries, cigar box and exotic Indian spices.
Cedar Rose Vineyards 2016 – Dark red, very fruity – fruit-forward more than Austria. Blackberries, black pepper, round and juicy with pronounced notes of dried plums.
Sharrott 2018 – Dr. Vouillamoz found the wine still young with aromas of menthol, vanilla, and ripe cherries.
Beneduce “Blue 2” 2017 – Pronounced fruit flavors of dark cherries. Bacon. And what Dr. Vouillamoz called and elegant flavor of dried ashes.
Terra Nonno Blaufränkisch 2018 – Delicious with plum fruit flavors, and smoky notes from its 18 months in French oak.
Very impressed by these New Jersey wines – check out the wine trail!