Kékfrankos
Pronunciation: “cake-frank-osh”
Taste
Kékfrankos wines typically showcase red and dark fruit flavors like cherry, strawberry, plum, and blackberry, with hints of black pepper, earthy undertones, and a touch of spice. Its high acidity gives the wine a lively freshness, while moderate tannins provide structure without being too heavy.
Where It’s Grown and Styles
Kékfrankos is widely grown in regions like Sopron (near the Austrian border) and Eger in northern Hungary. In addition to varietal wines, Kékfrankos is a key component of Bull's Blood from Eger, where it is often blended with grapes like Kadarka, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon to create complex, full-bodied red wines. The styles range from fresh and fruity to more structured, age-worthy expressions.
Cool Fact
During the Napoleonic Wars, legend has it that Kékfrankos wines were traded for blue francs, a more valuable currency at the time, which is why the grape earned the name "Kékfrankos" (meaning "Blue Franc").
