Aug 8thLemberger

In Kentucky, Prodigy offers Lemberger wine. This wine grape goes by many other names: Limberger in Germany, Blaufränkisch in Austria, Franconia in Friuli and Kekfrankos in Hungary. Those who are familiar with the Hungarian Egri Bikavér, or Bull’s Blood will recognize the taste of Kekfrankos. Whatever it is called, the wine is a medium-bodied, dry red, with earthy, fruit flavors of black currant, and cherry and dark garnet colors.

Our first taste of the grape came a few years ago at Winzerwald Winery in southern Indiana. They offer tastes of Blaufränkisch, as well as other German and Swiss style wines. We enjoyed the flavors, aromas, and deep color of the wine. Later, we were served Egri Bikavér at the Schnitzelbank Restaurant in Jasper, Indiana. Egri Bikavér, or Bull’s Blood, is a blend that uses Kekfrankos along with other reds such as Merlot or Syrah.

It was pleasant to find that same grape being used to make wine in Kentucky. Prodigy Vineyards and Winery has won medals with their Lemberger at the Kentucky State Fair competition and at the Kentucky Derby Festival Winefest.   Lemberger is a favorite wine.