Blue of the Danube Tasting

Wines of Hungary UK is delighted to announce its inaugural event ‘Blue of the Danube’, the largest UK tasting solely dedicated to the most important grape of Central & Eastern Europe (CEE) – Blaufränkisch. The tasting is taking place in Central London on October 28th at Merchant Taylor’s Hall, and welcomes the trade 11am – 4pm

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 Blaufränkish, arguably the most widespread indigenous  black grape of Central & Eastern Europe. We’re looking forward to introducing UK wine drinkers to the wide range of styles it can create.”

Elizabeth Gabay MW, who is hosting masterclasses on the day, explained “Blaufränkish is a dark-skinned, late-ripening variety which produces red wines that are typically rich in tannin and pronounced spicy characters, BUT it also has similar characteristics to the Nebbiolos of Piedmont, with their grace and elegance and it is indeed a great alternative to Nebbiolo, Pinot Noir or even Syrah. There’s great potential for this variety in the UK”

More than 40 producers from Hungary, Austria, Croatia, Germany, 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. Bikaver, also know as ‘Bull’s blood’.

There will be two masterclasses during the day:

– 11:30am Understanding Blaufränkisch and its region with Elizabeth Gabay MW

– 13:30pm Blaufränkisch Blended – an introduction to Hungary’s Bull’s Blood with Orsi Szentkiralyi.

‘Blue of the Danube’ is taking place Monday 28th October at Merchant Taylors Hall, 30 Threadneedle Street, London EC2R 8JB, from 11am-4pm. To come and discover why Blaufränkisch is one of the most popular, characteristic and versatile grape varieties cultivated in CEE please sign up by emailing Rachel@RachelDaveypr.co.uk

For more details please contact rachel@racheldaveypr.co.uk