Blauburger

Blauburger

Blauburger is a red wine grape variety that is primarily grown in Austria. It is a cross between Blauer Portugieser and Blaufränkisch, two other popular grape varieties in the region. Blauburger is known for producing wines with a deep red color and a fruity, spicy flavor profile.

History

Blauburger was created in the 1920s by Dr. Fritz Zweigelt, an Austrian grape breeder. Dr. Zweigelt was experimenting with different grape crosses in order to develop new varieties that would be well-suited to the Austrian climate and soil conditions. Blauburger was one of his successful creations, and it quickly gained popularity among Austrian winemakers.

Characteristics

Blauburger grapes are medium-sized and have a thick skin, which contributes to the deep color of the resulting wines. The flavor profile of Blauburger wines is often described as fruity, with notes of blackberry, cherry, and plum. They also have a spicy character, with hints of pepper and clove. Blauburger wines are typically medium-bodied, with moderate tannins and a good level of acidity.

Cultivation

Blauburger is primarily grown in Austria, particularly in the Weinviertel region. The grape variety is well-suited to the Austrian climate, which is characterized by warm summers and cool winters. The vineyards in this region have sandy soils, which provide good drainage and help to regulate the water supply to the vines. Blauburger is also grown in small quantities in other countries, such as Hungary and the Czech Republic.

Food Pairing

Blauburger wines pair well with a variety of dishes. Due to their fruity and spicy character, they complement grilled meats, such as lamb or beef, as well as roasted poultry. Blauburger also pairs nicely with dishes that have a slightly spicy or herbal flavor profile, such as Mediterranean cuisine or dishes seasoned with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme.