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🍇 Lemberger

Also known as: Blaufränkisch, Kékfrankos
Pronunciation: LEHM-ber-ger /ˈlɛmbəːrɡər/
Red Origin: Württemberg, Germany

About Lemberger

Lemberger is Germany's name for Blaufränkisch, an important Central European variety producing spicy, structured reds. Württemberg is its German heartland, where it produces serious, age-worthy wines.

Wine Colour & Appearance

Typical colour: Deep ruby-purple

Deep with purple hints

Colour Variations by Region

Württemberg: Deep ruby-purple
Intensity Deep
Clarity Clear
Viscosity Medium

Wine Characteristics

Body
Medium to Full
Tannin
Medium to High
Acidity
High
Sweetness
Dry
Alcohol
13–14.7%

Alcohol content typically ranges from 13.0% to 14.7%, with some wines potentially lower (minimum 5.5% ABV) but most commonly around 13.5%.

Aroma & Flavour Profile Le Nez du Vin Reference →

Aromas (Nose) [Le Nez aroma]

  • Black cherry
  • Pepper [M43 pepper]
  • Spice
  • Herbs
  • Forest floor

Flavours (Palate)

  • Dark fruit
  • Peppery
  • Fresh
  • Structured

The Nose

Lemberger wines offer a compelling aromatic profile built around a core of dark and red berries – think ripe blackberry, black cherry, and sometimes a touch of raspberry. Secondary notes of warm spice, like white pepper and juniper, mingle with intriguing hints of black tea and savory herbs such as sage and oregano, adding complexity. With age, these wines can develop balsamic nuances and a subtle earthiness, hinting at forest floor and dried leaves.

The Palate

Lemberger wines typically present a medium-bodied experience with a pleasingly crisp acidity that balances juicy red and black fruit flavors like raspberry, cherry, and plum. Often, a peppery spice complements the fruit, while tannins are present but generally well-integrated, contributing to a smooth yet refreshing palate. These wines are known for their vibrant freshness and food-friendly character.

Viticulture

Rootstock:
Various rootstocks can be used, depending on soil type and nematode resistance. Riparia and Kober 5BB are often suitable.
Harvest:
Mid September - October
Diseases:
Susceptible to powdery mildew, downy mildew, and botrytis bunch rot. Preventative spraying is often necessary, especially in humid climates.
Canopy Management:
Leaf removal is important to improve sunlight penetration and airflow around the fruit zone. Shoot thinning is also necessary.
Pruning:
Short pruning is typical, encouraging concentrated fruit set. Bud load should be managed to maintain fruit quality.
Veraison:
Late July - Mid August
Average Yield:
60-80 hectoliters per hectare (approximately 4-5 tons per acre).
Budburst:
Early to mid spring (April - May)
Drainage:
Excellent drainage is essential to prevent root rot and promote healthy vine growth.
Frost Risk:
Moderate. Buds are moderately susceptible to spring frosts. Site selection to avoid frost pockets is important.
Fruit Set:
Can experience uneven fruit set in cool or wet conditions. Flower thinning may be necessary.
Grape Variety:
Lemberger (Blaufränkisch)
Growing Season Length:
130-160 days is ideal. Requires a sufficient growing season to fully ripen.
Irrigation:
Generally does not require irrigation in moderate rainfall areas. Supplemental irrigation may be necessary in drier regions, especially during fruit set and veraison.
Maximum Yield:
Can reach up to 100 hl/ha with optimal management, but this can compromise quality.
Nutrient Requirements:
Moderate. Benefits from balanced fertilization, avoiding excessive nitrogen.
Pests:
Common pests include phylloxera, grape berry moth, and Japanese beetles.
Ph:
6.0 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral).
Physiological Issues:
Can be prone to chlorosis in alkaline soils. Proper soil management and fertilization can help prevent this.
Precipitation:
Moderate rainfall (700-900mm annually) is preferred, especially during the growing season. Excessive rainfall can lead to fungal diseases.
Sunlight:
Requires ample sunlight for proper ripening. South-facing slopes are often preferred in cooler climates.
Temperature:
Cool to moderate. Prefers warm days and cool nights. Can tolerate some heat, but excessive heat can lead to overripe fruit and reduced acidity.
Time To First Harvest:
3-4 years after planting (depending on rootstock and vine vigor).
Training System:
Single and double Guyot are common. Vertical Shoot Positioning (VSP) is also frequently used to maximize sunlight exposure and airflow.
Type:
Well-drained soils are crucial. Loess, gravelly soils, and sandy loam are excellent. Can adapt to various soil types, but avoids heavy clay.
Vine Density:
Relatively high density planting (2500-4000 vines/hectare) is common to encourage competition and moderate vigor.
Wine Style Potential:
Full-bodied red wines with dark fruit flavors (black cherry, plum), spice, and earthy notes. Can age well and develop complex aromas.

Grape Morphology

Skin Thickness
Thick
Berry Size
Small
Bunch Tightness
Medium
Botrytis Susceptibility
Medium

Winemaking Notes

Oak Affinity
Medium
Oxidation Tendency
Moderate
MLC Typical
Yes
Ageing Potential
5-10 years

Blending Partners

Merlot — Secondary partner

Adds softness and fruit to complement Lemberger's structure.

Common in: Red Mountain (Washington State)

Cabernet Sauvignon — Secondary partner

Contributes tannins and complexity.

Common in: Red Mountain (Washington State)

Carmenère — Secondary partner

Adds herbal notes and color.

Common in: Red Mountain (Washington State)

Trollinger — Traditional partner

Both are Germanic varieties, creating a regional blend.

Common in: Germany, Austria

Notable Regions

Burgenland, Austria The Burgenland region in Austria is arguably the most important for Lemberger/Blaufränkisch. It produces powerful, full-bodied wines with dark fruit and spice. The warmer climate contributes to ripe flavors. The 'Eisenberg' DAC is a particularly esteemed sub-region within Burgenland known for its iron-rich soils and distinctive Blaufränkisch.
Mittelburgenland DAC, Austria A designated wine-growing region within Burgenland, focused on Blaufränkisch. Known for elegant, fruit-driven wines with good acidity.
Eisenberg DAC, Austria A sub-region of Burgenland known for its unique iron-rich soils (Schilf) which impart a distinctive mineral character to the Blaufränkisch wines. Often produces wines with a savory, earthy profile.
Szekszárd, Hungary Szekszárd is a key region in Hungary for Lemberger (known as Kadarka locally, though Blaufränkisch is also grown). The wines are typically full-bodied, with dark fruit, spice, and a characteristic earthy note. The volcanic soils contribute to the wine's character.
Villány, Hungary Another important Hungarian region for Lemberger/Blaufränkisch. Villány tends to produce wines with a bit more elegance and finesse compared to Szekszárd, with a focus on fruit and spice.
South Styria (Südsteiermark), Austria While Sauvignon Blanc dominates, Blaufränkisch is also grown in South Styria, producing wines with bright acidity and red fruit flavors. The cooler climate results in a more restrained style.
Carnuntum, Austria Located near Vienna, Carnuntum is known for its diverse terroir and increasingly for its Blaufränkisch. Wines can range from lighter-bodied to more powerful styles.
Washington State, USA Lemberger is grown in Washington State, particularly in the Horse Heaven Hills and Wahluke Slope AVAs. The wines are often characterized by dark fruit, spice, and a firm structure.
Lake Erie Shore, Ohio, USA Ohio has a small but dedicated following of Lemberger growers, particularly along the Lake Erie Shore. The wines are often fruit-forward and approachable.

Region Map

Old World vs New World

Understanding regional style differences helps identify origin in blind tasting.

🏰 Old World (Europe)

Germany, Austria, Hungary

🌎 New World (Americas, Australasia)

Limited USA

Key Tells for Blind Tasting

Pepper + structure + Central European

Similar Grapes & Lateral Confusion

These grapes are commonly confused with Lemberger in blind tasting. Here's how to tell them apart:

Dornfelder

Why confused: german_red

How to distinguish: Dornfelder is softer, fruitier

Blind Tasting Tips

Key identifiers: Peppery, structured, high acidity, Central European.

Vintage History

Notable vintages for Lemberger:

2023 92 pts
Rich, concentrated fruit. Black cherry and plum dominate. Good structure with firm tannins, but acidity is slightly lower than usual. Shows excellent potential for aging. A very promising vintage.
2022 86 pts
Bright acidity and pronounced dark fruit flavors. More tart cherry and raspberry notes than usual. Tannins are present but softer. A lighter-bodied, refreshing style of Lemberger. Best enjoyed young to medium-term.
2021 94 pts
Classic Lemberger profile. Blackberry, black plum, and a hint of spice. Well-integrated tannins and vibrant acidity. Excellent balance and length. A benchmark vintage for this variety.
2020 89 pts
Concentrated, ripe fruit flavors. Black fruit is prominent, with notes of chocolate and a touch of jamminess. Tannins are well-structured, but acidity is moderate. A powerful, full-bodied vintage.
2019 84 pts
Moderate concentration of fruit. Dark cherry and plum flavors with earthy undertones. Tannins are a bit rustic, and acidity is moderate. A more approachable, easy-drinking style.
2018 78 pts
Lighter in color and body. Red fruit dominates, with a noticeable herbaceousness. Acidity is high, and tannins are soft. A delicate vintage that lacks the concentration of warmer years.
2017 93 pts
Rich and concentrated flavors of blackberry and cassis. Firm tannins and bright acidity provide structure. A long-aging vintage with excellent potential.
2016 88 pts
Full-bodied with dark fruit flavors of plum and black cherry. Well-integrated tannins and balanced acidity. A classic expression of Lemberger with good aging potential.

Food Pairings

🌱 Plant-Based & Vegetarian
Aged cheeses
🍖 Classic Pairings
Game Beef Hearty stews

Parentage & Genetics

Parents: Gouais × Unknown

Clones

Blaufränkisch (various clones)

Numerous clones exist, varying in yield, berry size, and ripening time. Generally known for high acidity, dark fruit flavors (black cherry, plum), and peppery spice. Some clones exhibit more tannin than others.

Lemberger (various clones)

German clones often focus on earlier ripening and moderate tannin levels. Similar dark fruit profile to Austrian Blaufränkisch, but potentially with a slightly softer structure.

Kékfrankos (various clones)

Hungarian clones are adapted to warmer conditions, often producing wines with ripe fruit and balanced acidity. Can exhibit earthy notes.

Limberger (US selections)

Selections made in the US, often from Austrian or German material, focused on adaptation to cooler East Coast climates. Emphasis on retaining acidity and structure.

Bibliography

Books and articles about Lemberger:

Blaufränkisch: Portrait einer Rebsorte by Huber, Gerhard (Verlag Freytag & Berndt, 2018)

Comprehensive overview of the Blaufränkisch/Lemberger grape, its history, viticulture, and winemaking.

Aromaprofil und sensorische Eigenschaften von Blaufränkischweinen aus verschiedenen Anbaugebieten

Analysis of the aroma profiles of Blaufränkisch wines from different regions.

Blaufränkisch

General information about the Blaufränkisch grape, including synonyms and growing regions.

Die Bedeutung des Terroirs für den Charakter von Blaufränkischweinen

Discusses the impact of terroir on the characteristics of Blaufränkisch wines.

Genetic Analysis of Lemberger Varieties in North America

Presents research on the genetic diversity of Lemberger vines in North America.

← Back to Grape Encyclopaedia
Page created: 28 January 2026 | Last updated: 30 January 2026

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Wine Colour

This section shows the typical appearance of wines made from this grape:

  • Colour swatches — Visual examples from young to aged expressions
  • Intensity — How deep or pale the colour typically appears
  • Clarity — Whether wines are typically clear, hazy, or have sediment
  • Viscosity — The "legs" or "tears" you see on the glass

Characteristics

Key structural elements that define the wine:

  • Acidity — How tart or fresh the wine tastes (low to high)
  • Body — The weight and texture in your mouth (light to full)
  • Alcohol — Typical alcohol range, sometimes with regional variations
  • Sweetness — Dry, off-dry, or sweet (where applicable)

Tannins (Red Wines)

For red wines, this section describes the tannin profile:

  • Level — Low, medium, or high tannin content
  • Texture — Velvety, silky, grippy, chalky, or sandy
  • Location — Where you feel them (front teeth, gums, cheeks, back of mouth)
  • Ageing potential — How tannins evolve over time

Aroma and Flavour Profile

Aromas (nose) and flavours (palate) are listed separately:

  • The Nose — What you smell before tasting
  • The Palate — What you taste and feel in your mouth
  • Le Nez numbers — References like [M15] correspond to Le Nez du Vin aroma kit bottles (M = Masterkit, O = Oak, F = Faults)
Tip: Le Nez Reference Click the "Le Nez du Vin Reference" link in the Aroma section header to see the full aroma reference chart.

Viticulture

Growing conditions this grape prefers:

  • Climate — Cool, moderate, or warm climate preferences
  • Soil — Preferred soil types (limestone, clay, gravel, etc.)
  • Vigour — How vigorously the vine grows
  • Challenges — Common growing difficulties (frost, rot, disease)

Notable Regions

Key wine regions where this grape excels:

  • Map thumbnails — Small preview maps for each region (where available)
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Old World vs New World

Compares how the grape is expressed in different regions:

  • Old World — Traditional European expressions (France, Italy, Spain, etc.)
  • New World — Modern expressions (Australia, USA, Chile, etc.)
  • Differences in style, ripeness, oak use, and flavour profiles

Similar Grapes

Grapes that are often confused with this variety in blind tasting:

  • Why confused — What characteristics they share
  • How to distinguish — Key differences to look for

Blind Tasting Tips

Practical guidance for identifying this grape when tasting blind:

  • Key markers to look for
  • Common pitfalls and look-alikes
  • Diagnostic characteristics that set it apart

Food Pairings

Suggested foods that complement wines from this grape:

  • Vegan/Vegetarian — Plant-based options listed first, marked (ve) for vegan
  • Classic pairings — Traditional meat and seafood matches
Full guide →