Tóth Ferenc, Kékfrankos, 2017

Tóth Ferenc Winery, Eger Region

Kékfrankos is a variety known by many names across Central Europe, best known as Blaufränkisch in neighboring Austria. It is the most planted red grape variety in Hungary, with more than 7,000 hectares (Austria has just 3,000 hectares). Kékfrankos is the classic representation of Hungary, and is considered one of the country’s best wine varieties. It’s an integral component of the Egri Bikavér blend, and it also really expresses terroir. This Kékfrankos is from the cooler climate Eger region. It’s a crowd-pleasing medium-bodied wine that shows the aromas and character of a slightly aged Kékfrankos—yet it’s really fresh for a five-year old wine. It has a nose full of cherry jam, raspberries, cherry syrup, plum jam, cherry strudel, some spices, and truffles. All of this deliciousness continues on the palate, along with a nice long chocolatey cherry finish. Cherry is really dominant all around. Grapes for this Kékfrankos were harvested by hand, macerated for 30 days, and fermented on the skins for two weeks. It was then aged in different types of barrels (including oak) for two years. This is an elegant and balanced Kékfrankos, which is very easy to drink. It goes great with game and roasted pheasant, or pasta with a salty sauce (like one with olives or capers in it). Or, if you want to serve it with something Hungarian, try it with roasted duck with tart cherry sauce.

Read About The Eger Region

Read About Kékfrankos