Wines of Hungary UK has announced its inaugural event ‘Blue of the Danube’, the largest UK tasting solely dedicated to the most important black grape of Central & Eastern Europe (CEE)– Blaufränkisch (or Kékfrankos as it is known in Hungary). The tasting is taking place in Central London on October 28^th at Merchant Taylor’s Hall, and welcomes the trade 11am – 4pm and consumers 5pm-8pm.

Blaufränkisch: spicy, fruity, silky

It will be the first time the UK wine trade has had the opportunity to taste and get to know the grape variety in such a high diversity, all under one roof. Blaufränkisch, known as the ‘blue grape of the Danube’, has several names across the regions it’s grown within, including:  Kékfrankos, Blaufränkisch Frankovka Modra, Burgund Mare and Lemberger.

Commenting on the upcoming tasting Zsuzsa Toronyi, Wines of Hungary UK said, “Following the success of Wines of Hungary’s Furmint tasting earlier this year we recognised the clear interest in wines from the region within the UK market. It felt natural therefore to focus the next event around Blaufränkisch, arguably the most widespread indigenous black grape of Central & Eastern Europe.”Elizabeth Gabay MW, who is hosting masterclasses on the day, explained “Blaufrankisch is a dark-skinned, late-ripening variety which produces red wines that typically have fine tannins and pronounced spicy characters. It can range from rich fruity opulence to restrained silky elegance. There is great potential for this variety in the UK.”

There will be two masterclasses during the day:

• 11.30 amUnderstanding Blaufränkisch and its region with Elizabeth Gabay MW
• 13.30 pmBlaufränkisch Blended – an introduction to Hungary’s Bull’s Blood with Orsi Szentkirályi.

Babarczi, Heumann, Taschner

More than 40 producers from Hungary, Austria, Croatia, Slovakia, Romania and Slovenia will be showcasing their Blaufränkish-based wines, demonstrating the variety of wines produced with one grape variety. A highlight includes the unique, high quality Kékfrankos based cuvees e.g. Bikavér, also known as ‘Bull’s blood’. Some Hungarian wineries who will introduce their wines: Eszterbauer Winery (Szekszárd), Koch Winery, (Hajós–Baja), Kovács Nimród Winery (Eger), Heumann Winery (Villány), Taschner Winery and Sparkling House Tóth Ferenc Winery (Eger), Vylyan Vineyard and Winery (Villány).

Here we recommend three Kékfrankos wines not to miss:

Taschner Kékfrankos

Sopron wine region is the home of Kékfrankos, in the town of Sopron even a currency called Kékfrank is in use. The cooler climate is ideal to give elegant, fruity Kékfrankos wines, and Kurt Tascher is a devoted winemaker to create wines true to the variety. „Fresh and lively wine, which represents the colour blue on the nose as well (‘Kék’ in Kékfrankos means blue): plum, blueberry and blue flowers with charming, playful spicy notes. Spices dominate the zesty palate supplemented by ripened fruits like cherry and plum.”
More about Taschner

Babarczi Kékfrankos

Babarczi family winery is specialized in reductive white wines, and this Kékfrankos is a brand new brand of the winery. Pannonhalma, Hungary’s third smallest wine region is also a cool climate region, and the variety seems to feel good here! „The nose is characteristic of the variety: cool sour cherry and cherry with herbs. Medium body, ethereal palate, great balance, vibrant acidity and firm tannins. A Kékfrankos easy to fall in love with.”
More about Babarczi

Heumann Kékfrankos

A Swiss couple has found its new home in Villány, create their wines meticulously and their devotion is rewarded by countless acknowledgement. The Mediterranean wine region ripens grapes fully, the hardest task is to find balance, but the Heumanns managed to achieve it to the greatest extend. „Purple with violet rim. In the nose a hint of vanilla and sour cherries, some leather. Concentrated, elegant and complex wine with gorgeous fruit. Great body and fine tannins. Very long lasting.”
More about Heumann Winery

The event is free, but registration is needed:

For more details please contact zsuzsa@winehungary.co.uk and join in the conversation on social media throughout October using #blueofthedanube.