Felix 'Blau' Blaufrankisch

Austria’s indigenous red grape is named Blaufränkisch – whose first written documentation dates back to the 1700’s. This unique variety is genetically related to both Gamay from Beaujolais and Austrian Zweigelt. The name Blaufränkisch comes from blau, meaning ‘blue’, which refers to the dark color of the grapes, and Fränkisch, a term used in the Middle Ages to indicate noble or high-quality varieties.

We first vibed on ‘Blau’ (a nickname popularized by the wine trade) back when we sold wine to restaurants in NYC. Its fresh, juicy, tantalizing blue berry, black cherry fruit and blackberry bramble flavors mingling with dark mocha, all-spice and hints of earth were super tasty and interesting. Capable of producing a range of styles, from light and fruity wines to more complex and ageworthy reds, Blau was also very versatile in our eyes. As OG Burgundy lovers, we also understood and appreciated its comparison to Pinot Noir, but Blaufränkisch definitely had its own unique flavor profile and style. Its medium body, bright berry flavors and absence of heavy oak treatments. Blaufränkisch’s fresh, lower ABV style pairs really well with roasted meats and birds, and other rich dishes with a little extra sass on the palate, while its earthy and spicy notes stand up to savory sides like roasted vegetables. Blau will definitely be a crowd-pleaser once you get it into people’s glasses.  

Now the extra fun part of 'Blau' is that it comes in a liter, and nothing is cooler than a LITER bottle of really good wine!!! Crafted by a young, passionate winemaker, Stefan Wellanschitz, Felix ‘Blau’ captures the joyful, energetic side of Blaufränkisch. Stefan works organically in his family’s vineyards, focusing on minimal intervention to let the fruit and soils speak clearly & authentically. His Felix ‘Blau’ is juicy and fresh, with dark blue and purple fruits and hints of white pepper along with extraordinary depth of flavor. Made of 100% estate fruit planted in slate and granite soils. ‘Blau’ has the perfect taste for 1^st time Blau drinkers, and the bigger bottle size is perfect for a gang of wine lovers.