Until recently I'd not had the pleasure of tasting Blaufränkisch - literally blue Frankish - and then in one of those moments of synchronicity I tasted an Austrian example and then most generously this sample from Hahndorf Hill.
I read that Blaufränkisch is so named in part because of its colour; the fränkisch part coming from a medieval attempt to classify grapes whose origins lay with the superior Fränks (fränkisch).
I was told that it is a relative of Gamay, but have not been able to back this up other than to say that it is known as Gamé in Bulgaria.
But enough etymology - what does it taste like I hear you ask? Spicy black cherry with a hint of coffee grounds lurking in the background. It's brightly coloured; the palate smooth. Berries, red and black abound, textural in the mouth giving way to a good backbone of acid carrying a persistent line of spice. Tannins are present, but not overt. Paired well with a cauliflower and pumpkin curry.
So that's me, but the final word has to go to Pat Haddock: "Blauf Blauf, get it down your mouth!".
Source: Sample
Price: $35
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
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Just finished a bottle of this Stu - if anything, I'm intrigued, and looking forward to more in the future from cooler vintages. I found the 2009 much more sumptuous and darker fruited than the 2008, yet still carrying a very refreshing structure well suited to food and top-ups...
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