Celebrate International Blue Frankish Day with us

Blaufränkisch – the elixir of life

When you say Blaufränkisch, many people picture a glass of full-bodied garnet-red wine with aromas of cherries, plums and spice. But few know that this wine treasure has a history in Slovakia that is longer than some noble families. And that it is in Rača that a wine is made from it that can enchant even the most demanding consumers and connoisseurs. From this year, a new holiday has been added to the calendar that will please every fan of this mysterious variety.

Mysterious Blaufränkisch

Did you know that Blaufränkisch is one of the oldest "residents" of European vineyards? In Austria it is called Blaufränkisch, in Hungary Kékfrankos, but the Slovak name sounds the most beautiful – Frankovka modrá. This wine loves a glass with a larger volume, a little oxygen and a serving temperature of 16-18 °C. Do not be afraid to decant it – it will reward you with a full palette of flavours.

Blaufränkisch is a truly mysterious variety. Unlike some of the more delicate varieties, it needs more attention, care and patience. But the reward is a wine with a strong character that can last for years and only gains in quality with age. Some vintages of Blaufränkisch from Rača can be kept for ten to fifteen years and acquire complex, almost supernatural notes.

Blaufränkisch is a wine that does not overwhelm, but pleasantly caresses your taste buds. It is easy to drink, lively and accessible – ideal for those who are just getting to know wine or looking for something uncomplicated and authentic. If you value authenticity and place, that is exactly what Blaufränkisch offers – no airs, just pure taste and tradition. It is a wine suited to a friendly gathering, a barbecue or a spontaneous dinner. Blaufränkisch does not surprise with complexity, but wins you over with honesty and character. In short, a wine worth discovering.

When Maria Theresa tasted Blaufränkisch from Rača

Legend says that Maria Theresa herself loved the Rača wine so much that she had it brought all the way to Vienna. It was not a mere whim – it was a seal of quality that made Rača famous for centuries. But the history of Blaufränkisch from Rača goes back even further – to a time when doctors prescribed this wine as medicine. For anaemia, exhaustion, weakness. A prescription wine that healed body and soul. It was not just wine for celebrations, it was wine for survival. Why Blaufränkisch from Rača? Sunny slopes, calcareous soils, granite subsoil. And above all, people who passed the tradition of winemaking from father to son, from mother to daughter. In these conditions, not only good wines are made. Excellent wines are made. Wines with a story. And the story of Blaufränkisch from Rača is full of triumphs. The year 1958, Langenlois, Austria, an international wine competition. Although gold was not awarded that year, our Blaufränkisch came closest to it. The Rača team won a silver medal for its Blaufränkisch made "by the warm method." It was separated from gold by only two hundredths of a point. Two hundredths – and silver that was worth its weight in gold.

When wine protects the heart

Modern science has confirmed what winemakers have always suspected – Blaufränkisch is rich in antioxidants, especially resveratrol and polyphenols. Scientific studies show that regular, moderate consumption of red wine can positively contribute to the condition of the cardiovascular system, reduce the risk of heart disease and support overall vitality. In the case of Blaufränkisch, this effect is probably accentuated by its unique chemical composition. Of course, the key word is "moderation" – one to two glasses a day. Research from recent years also suggests that the polyphenols contained in Blaufränkisch may have anti-inflammatory effects and support healthy cell ageing. It is no coincidence that people in regions with a tradition of consuming quality red wine live longer and healthier lives!

Rača – the capital of the Blaufränkisch region

The benefits of Blaufränkisch do not come from the variety alone, but also from the winemaker's craft. It is in Rača, Bratislava, that the production of Blaufränkisch has an exceptional tradition. We process the grapes grown on Rača soils with care, and so we are able to preserve the most valuable thing Blaufränkisch offers – a harmonious blend of aromas, flavours and beneficial substances. Blaufränkisch from the Villa Vino Rača winery – Winery of the Year 2025 – is a wine for those who are looking for more than just intoxication and a pleasant taste. It is a wine with a story, character and natural strength you can feel in every sip. The Blaufränkisch variety offers several different wine styles. Thanks to its pronounced acidity, it is popular in the production of rosé wines. In the red wine category, it can take two forms: lighter wines with a fruity character, ideal for everyday drinking and easy enjoyment, and ambitious wines matured in wooden barrels, with the potential for long bottle ageing. Blaufränkisch from Rača gets its characteristic properties by maturing in high-quality oak barrels, where it acquires unique tertiary aromas. Blaufränkisch has lively acidity and a medium-full body, which allows it to convincingly express its own character. At the same time, it can captivate with refreshing elegance, liveliness and finesse. Acidity gives it significant potential for bottle ageing – after years, it reveals to patient enthusiasts a rich world of tertiary aromas and flavours, full of nuances. When young, it charms with intense fruity character and seductive directness.

Blaufränkisch from Rača

Blaufränkisch from Rača is a wine with a unique character, made exclusively from the Blaufränkisch variety. The grapes come from the best sites in Rača, where the tradition of growing this variety reaches deep into the past. A careful selection of wines from individual vineyards creates a harmonious composition full of flavour and elegance. The result is a full-bodied yet vibrant wine that reflects the uniqueness of the Rača terroir. Blaufränkisch from Rača is more than just wine – it is a tribute to tradition and craftsmanship, a piece of our history, cultural heritage and lifestyle. It is a wine that connects generations, tastes and stories. From royal courts to modern restaurants, from traditional cellars to contemporary wine shops. And the good news is that from this year it also has its own world holiday – February 12 is officially recognised as International Blaufränkisch Day! For the first time in history, this variety has its own holiday, connecting wine regions from Austria to Slovakia, Hungary and the wider world. And where else should it be celebrated with more dignity than in Rača, where Blaufränkisch has found its home soil for centuries?

When we raise a glass of Blaufränkisch from Rača on February 12, it will not just be the celebration of one variety. It will be a celebration of a thousand-year-old tradition, the hardworking hands of winegrowers, love of the craft and respect for nature. It will be a celebration of the fact that our small country has something to offer the world – and that the best often grows on the sunny slopes of the Little Carpathians.

Cheers with a glass of Blaufränkisch from Rača!

Alcohol consumption is appropriate for adults only. Please consume responsibly.