Kékfrankos (Blaufränkisch) Container-Grown Grapevine

Kékfrankos, internationally known as Blaufränkisch, is one of the most important and widely cultivated red wine grape varieties in Hungary and Central Europe. It is particularly valued for producing elegant, vibrant and characterful red wines with lively acidity, structured tannins and expressive red-fruit aromas.

Depending on the growing region and winemaking style, Kékfrankos can produce anything from fresh, fruit-driven and easy-drinking red wines to concentrated, complex wines with excellent ageing potential. Typical aromas include sour cherry, cherry, plum and dark berries, often accompanied by attractive spicy and peppery notes.

Main Characteristics

Ripening time: Medium to medium-late, generally harvested in September to early October, depending on climate, vineyard location and vintage.
Berry: Small to medium-sized, round, with a dark blue to blue-black skin.
Cluster: Medium-sized, typically conical and moderately compact.
Wine character: Characteristically fruity, spicy and vibrant, often showing notes of sour cherry, cherry, plum and dark berries. 
Acidity: Typically lively and refreshing, giving the wines excellent structure.
Tannins: Moderate to pronounced depending on vineyard conditions and winemaking style.
Use: Primarily suitable for high-quality red and rosé wine production, either as a single-varietal wine or as an important component of blends.

Key Advantages

• One of the most important red wine grape varieties in Hungary.
• Produces wines with excellent fruit character and lively acidity.
• Typical aromas of sour cherry, cherry, plum and dark berries.
• Attractive spicy and peppery character.
• Suitable for both fresh, fruit-driven wines and premium oak-aged styles.
• Can also produce fresh and aromatic rosé wines.
• Particularly expressive of its growing region and terroir.

Growing Characteristics

Kékfrankos is a vigorous and productive variety that performs particularly well in warm, sunny vineyard locations. Its relatively late ripening allows the grapes to develop rich aromas while maintaining the fresh acidity that is characteristic of the variety.

Regular pruning, balanced crop-load management and appropriate canopy management help ensure healthy fruit development and optimal ripening. Under favourable conditions, Kékfrankos can produce grapes suitable for everything from fresh, approachable red and rosé wines to concentrated, barrel-aged wines with excellent ageing potential.