Lemberger

Lemberger is a dry, medium-bodied red best known in Germany and Austria, where it’s better known as Blaufränkisch. Expect black cherry, blackberry and plum with pepper, herbs and spice. Fresh but structured, it’s brilliant with sausages, roast pork, burgers, roast beef, mushroom dishes and tomato-based pasta.

Taste:

Dark fruit, fresh acidity and a proper peppery kick.

Lemberger is typically dry and medium-bodied, with lively acidity and moderate tannins. Expect black cherry, blackberry, plum and raspberry, often joined by black pepper, violet, dried herbs and earthy spice.

Lighter versions can be juicy and fruit-forward, while more serious, oak-aged styles bring extra structure and flavours of cedar, vanilla, tobacco or chocolate.

It has more bite than many lighter German reds, but without tipping into heavyweight territory. Think confident rather than shouty.

Food Pairings:

Lemberger’s combination of acidity, dark fruit and spice makes it a great match for rich, savoury food.

Try it with bratwurst, grilled sausages, roast pork, pork chops, burgers, roast beef or beef stew. It also works beautifully with roast chicken and duck.

Tomato-based dishes are another strong match, including lasagne, spaghetti bolognese, beef ragù, meatballs in tomato sauce and tomato-based pasta.

For pizza, try sausage, mushroom, pepperoni or prosciutto toppings.

Mushroom risotto, mushroom pasta, lentil stew, roasted vegetables and grilled aubergine are all great meat-free options.

For cheese, try Gouda, Gruyère, mature Cheddar or other medium to strongly flavoured hard cheeses.

Similar Wines:

If you enjoy Lemberger, Zweigelt is an obvious next step. The two share Austrian roots, and Blaufränkisch – Lemberger – is actually one of Zweigelt’s parent grapes.

Spätburgunder offers a lighter, more elegant take on German red wine, while Cabernet Franc shares some of Lemberger’s fresh acidity, herbs and savoury character.

Syrah is worth exploring if it’s the darker fruit and peppery spice you love most.

Enjoyed this one? Give it a heart and we'll use your favourites to recommend other wines we think you'll love.

More About Lemberger:

Lemberger is the German name most commonly used for the grape better known internationally as Blaufränkisch.

It’s particularly important in Germany’s Württemberg region, while Blaufränkisch is one of Austria’s major red varieties, especially in Burgenland. You’ll also find it across Central Europe under several other local names.

The grape is known for retaining good acidity while developing dark fruit and spice, which means it can produce everything from fresh, approachable reds to serious wines capable of ageing.

Lemberger, Blaufränkisch, Kékfrankos... same grape, multiple names.

Wine really does love making the beginner level unnecessarily difficult.