Wine quiz

Blaufränkisch Quiz

By SipCircle Wine Editorial

Two rounds, instant scoring, no sign-up. See how well you know Blaufränkisch, then keep a tasting journal to remember what you learn.

Test your knowledge

What this quiz covers

12 questions across two rounds: 6 beginner and 6 advanced. Here's what you'll be asked:

  • Blaufränkisch is believed to have originated in which historical region?
  • Which Austrian region is most closely associated with Blaufränkisch?
  • How would you generally describe the style of a Blaufränkisch wine?
  • What color are the berries of the Blaufränkisch grape?
  • Which food pairing works especially well with Blaufränkisch?
  • Blaufränkisch is known under a different name in Germany. What is it called there?
  • Within Burgenland, which DAC is especially associated with Blaufränkisch?
  • Blaufränkisch is one of the parent varieties of Zweigelt. What is the other parent?
  • Compared to Zweigelt, how does Blaufränkisch typically present itself in terms of structure?
  • The Blaufränkisch grape is known as 'Kékfrankos' in a neighboring country where it is also widely grown. Which country is this?
  • Which soil type is especially associated with structured Blaufränkisch in Mittelburgenland?
  • Which international red variety is Blaufränkisch most often compared to stylistically due to shared traits of dark fruit, high acidity, and firm tannins?
Study notes: answers & key facts (open to reveal)
  • Blaufränkisch is believed to have originated in which historical region? Austria. Blaufränkisch has a long history of cultivation in eastern Austria, but historical evidence points to its origin in Lower Styria (today Slovenian Styria).
  • Which Austrian region is most closely associated with Blaufränkisch? Burgenland. Burgenland, in eastern Austria near the Hungarian border, is today the leading Austrian region for Blaufränkisch, producing many of the grape's most celebrated expressions, though historical evidence points to its origin in Lower Styria (now in Slovenia).
  • How would you generally describe the style of a Blaufränkisch wine? Medium- to full-bodied, with high acidity and spicy dark fruit. Blaufränkisch typically shows vibrant acidity, firm tannins, and flavors of dark cherry, blackberry, and pepper, giving it a bold and structured character.
  • What color are the berries of the Blaufränkisch grape? Blue-black. The name 'Blaufränkisch' literally contains the German word 'blau' meaning blue, reflecting the grape's deep blue-black berry skin.
  • Which food pairing works especially well with Blaufränkisch? Roasted lamb or beef goulash. Blaufränkisch's robust acidity, spice, and tannic structure make it a natural match for rich meat dishes such as roasted lamb or paprika-spiced beef goulash.
  • Blaufränkisch is known under a different name in Germany. What is it called there? Lemberger. In Germany, particularly in Württemberg, the same grape is known as Lemberger (or Blauer Lemberger), a name referencing Lemberg in Lower Styria (today in Slovenia), from where it was introduced to Germany in the 19th century.
  • Within Burgenland, which DAC is especially associated with Blaufränkisch? Mittelburgenland DAC. Mittelburgenland DAC, located in central Burgenland, is a Blaufränkisch-focused red wine appellation known for deep, powerful expressions.
  • Blaufränkisch is one of the parent varieties of Zweigelt. What is the other parent? Sankt Laurent. Zweigelt was created in 1922 by Dr. Fritz Zweigelt by crossing Blaufränkisch with Sankt Laurent, combining the spice of the former with the soft fruit of the latter.
  • Compared to Zweigelt, how does Blaufränkisch typically present itself in terms of structure? Higher acidity, firmer tannins, and greater aging potential. Blaufränkisch is structurally more assertive than Zweigelt, with more pronounced acidity and tannins, making it better suited to extended oak aging and long cellaring.
  • The Blaufränkisch grape is known as 'Kékfrankos' in a neighboring country where it is also widely grown. Which country is this? Hungary. In Hungary, Blaufränkisch is called Kékfrankos ('blue Frankish' in Hungarian) and is planted extensively, particularly in the Eger and Sopron wine regions.
  • Which soil type is especially associated with structured Blaufränkisch in Mittelburgenland? Iron-rich clay and loam. Mittelburgenland's deep, heavy clay soils produce structured Blaufränkisch with depth and concentration.
  • Which international red variety is Blaufränkisch most often compared to stylistically due to shared traits of dark fruit, high acidity, and firm tannins? Syrah. Blaufränkisch is often called the "Pinot Noir of the East," though its wines can also show dark-fruit, peppery, tannic characteristics.

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