Don’t worry they are the same grape !

Frankovka is the Czech version of the international name Blaufränkisch. Known also as frankinja in Slovenia or Franconia in Italy, or even Lemberger in America.  It is also sometimes called as Pinot Noir of east.

It is a red grape that represents 5,6% of the vineyard planting, the second most widely grown red grape variety in the Czech republic. It is grown only in the Moravian wine subregions due to its late-ripening nature.

Its origin

Exact origin is unknown, recent DNA profiling has shown that Frankovka  is a cross between Gouais blanc and other unidentified grape variety, possibly Blauer Silvaner.  

The term Fränkisch itself comes from Franconia, a German wine region. During the Middle Ages the wine from this region was highly praised, and grapes that were thought to be capable of producing superior wines were called Fränkisch to distinguish them from the less highly prized Hunnic grapes. It is likely that from sometime during this period up until the 1900s, Blaufränkisch (literally Blue Frankish), began to be grown in the region.

What kind of grape?

It is quite resistant to cold during the winter, but still needs a lot of sun in the summer, so it’s ideal for the region of Central Europe.
Frankokva vine is known as an early budding variety that can be susceptible to early spring frost. It is a late ripening variety, and tends to be planted in warmer vineyard sites.
It is considered a high productive vine capable of producing high yields fairly easily. 
Frankovka  is also important variety for production of fresh rosé and used for the production of rosé and red sparkling wines.

Where to find it?

Today Blaufränkisch is planted across the globe from Japan to the United States.
In the New World Blaufränkisch is found in the Australian wine region of the Adelaide Hills, The grape can be found across the United States, from the Finger Lakes,  where it often blended with Cabernet franc, to California and Washington State (where it is called Lemberger). ,

Its specifications

This wine is garnet in the glass.
Frankovka wines have aromas of dark ripe cherries and dark berries, are spicy, have medium tannin levels and sometimes very good acidity. Acidity levels can be moderated by harvest decisions and some oak aging. 
Young wines characteristics may vary starting with grassy, spicy cinnamon tones, in early stages of development with ripe dark cherries and berries, medium tannins and good acidity. With age wines are becoming more velvety.

What to eat with it?

In food and wine pairings, Frankovka/Blaufränkisch/Lemberger wines are often paired with lamb and game dishes and grilled meat and stronger cheeses. . You should drink any serious Frankovka somewhat cooled, at around 16-18 °C,

Some of our favorite Frankovka wines

  1. Ota Sevcik, Frankovka, Boretice, Moravia, 2015
    This is an elegant, fresh, light bright wine that has blackberries and spices running through it; a lovely, clean, vibrant wine.
  2. Frankovka, pozdní sběr, Sedlák, 2016
    It has a youthful maturity, a pleasant fruity aroma with blackberry tones and a hint of vanilla and exotic spices
  3. Frankovka, pozdní sběr, Trpělka & Oulehla, 2016
    The wine has a clear garnet color with purple reflections. A fruity aroma with the aroma of small garden fruits such as sour cherries or elderberries. Typical varietal taste with notes of spices, burnt wood and cinnamon with an intense finish