Wines
Blaufrankisch
Wine style and varietal guide
Reviewed by the WhatDrink Editorial TeamSuggest a correction
- Red
- Red • Dry
- 12–14.5% ABV
- Medium body
- Dry sweetness
- medium acidity
Is this for me?
Choose this if…
- ✓You prefer dry, crisp wines without residual sweetness.
Skip if…
- ✗You prefer sweeter or off-dry wines.
At a Glance
12–14.5%ABV
DrySweetness
mediumAcidity
MediumTannin
MediumBody
Nutrition values are style-level estimates. Actual values vary by producer and serving size. How we calculate this →
On this page
What is Blaufrankisch?
Blaufrankisch is a classic red wine with balanced fruit, acidity, and tannins, suitable for a wide range of meals.
Taste profile
Dry sweetnessmedium acidityMedium tanninsMedium bodyRed FruitPepperyAcidicTannic
Sensory profile
BodyLight – Full
DrynessSweet – Bone dry
TanninSoft – Grippy
AcidityFlat – Crisp
FruitinessEarthy – Fruity
BoldnessDelicate – Bold
Beginner-friendlyAcquired taste – Easy intro
- Style: Red
- ABV range: 12–14.5%
- Medium body
- Dry sweetness
- Body
- Medium
- Sweetness
- Dry
- Acidity
- medium
- Tannin
- Medium
- Red Fruit · high intensity — Blaufränkisch commonly shows red fruit character.
- Peppery · high intensity — Blaufränkisch is commonly associated with peppery spice.
- Acidic · medium intensity — Blaufränkisch commonly has lively acidity.
- Tannic · low intensity — Blaufränkisch can show moderate tannin.
Based on structured style profile and canonical flavor relationships.
Grape & region
- Grape varieties
- Blaufränkisch
- Region(s)
- Burgenland, Austria, Hungary, Germany
- Country
- Austria / Central Europe
- Sweetness
- Dry
- Skin contact
- Moderate red-wine skin contact
How it’s made
- Method
- Red wine made from Blaufränkisch grapes, fermented on skins for acidity, spice and medium tannin; oak use varies from neutral to structured.
How to serve
- Glassware
- Standard wine glass
When to serve
DinnerSavoury foodRed
Dietary
How Blaufrankisch fits common dietary preferences (general guidance — always check the specific producer).
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-Free
Alternatives to try
Reviewed style alternatives
- RossaBoth red styles; similar sweetness (dry); medium body.
- Baco NoirBoth red styles; similar sweetness (dry); medium body.
- BarberaBoth red styles; similar sweetness (dry); medium body.
- BobalBoth red styles; similar sweetness (dry); medium body.
- GrenacheBoth red styles; similar sweetness (dry); medium body.
Style alternatives preserve drink-family context but can change sweetness, acidity, bitterness, body, aroma or alcohol range.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Blaufrankisch?
- Blaufrankisch is a classic red wine with balanced fruit, acidity, and tannins, suitable for a wide range of meals.
- What does Blaufrankisch taste like?
- Blaufrankisch is often described as Red Fruit, Peppery, Acidic, Tannic. Flavour intensity varies by region, producer and vintage.
- What foods pair with Blaufrankisch?
- Blaufrankisch pairs well with Charcuterie, Cheese Board, Roast Meat, Steak. Food pairing suggestions are based on complementary flavour profiles.
- How strong is Blaufrankisch?
- Blaufrankisch typically has an ABV of 12–14.5%. Strength varies by producer and vintage.
- When should I drink Blaufrankisch?
- Blaufrankisch works well as an aperitif, with a meal, or as a standalone sipping wine. The ideal occasion depends on the body and sweetness level — lighter styles suit casual dining while fuller-bodied wines complement heartier dishes.
- What wines are similar to Blaufrankisch?
- If you enjoy Blaufrankisch, explore other wine styles with a similar body and flavour profile using the sensory bars as a guide. Wines with matching acidity and tannin scores will feel closest in character.
- Does Blaufrankisch improve with age?
- Cellaring potential for Blaufrankisch depends on the producer, vintage and storage conditions. Most everyday expressions are best enjoyed within 3–5 years of release. Premium examples may benefit from longer ageing — check producer notes for guidance.
- What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
- Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Tannin/Bitterness (soft to grippy), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent), Boldness (delicate to bold) and Beginner-Friendly (acquired taste to easy intro). Each scale helps you compare wine styles at a glance.
- How do I use the sensory profile to find wines I like?
- If you enjoy light, crisp wines look for Light Body with Crisp Acidity. For bold, rich wines choose Full Body with Grippy Tannin. Compare Blaufrankisch with similar wine styles to find your next favourite.
Last updated
Wine style information is approximate and varies by producer, region, vintage and serving size.