Lemberger
Black-skinned, from Slovenia
Lemberger, also called Blaufränkisch, is a black-skinned Central European red grape with dark fruit and spicy, often tannic wines.
Also known as
Blaufränkisch
On old plates as
Limberger
Lemberger is the German name for the black-skinned Vitis vinifera grape also known as Blaufränkisch. DNA studies identify it as a cross between Weißer Heunisch (Gouais blanc) and the rare Blaue Zimmettraube, itself descended from Blauer Gänsfüsser. Historical and genetic research places its origin in Lower Styria, today northeastern Slovenia; the German name comes from 19th-century shipments of vines from Lemberg in that region.
It is grown across Central Europe: Austria as Blaufränkisch, Hungary as Kékfrankos, the Czech Republic as Frankovka, Slovakia as Frankovka modrá, Slovenia as modra frankinja, and in parts of Germany. In Germany it is now planted on about 1,917 hectares (2023), almost all in Württemberg, up from roughly 400 to 500 hectares in the 1980s. It is also grown in several American states.
The grape ripens late and prefers warm, sheltered sites. It makes medium to full-bodied reds that can be light and fruity or richer and more tannic. Common flavours include blackberry, cherry, plum and blackcurrant, often lifted by black-pepper spice. Underripe examples may show green-bean or green-pepper notes; wines with firm acidity and tannin can age, while many simpler Lembergers are best drunk young and slightly chilled.
Where to taste Lemberger
None of the wineries we list pour Lemberger yet.
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