2022 Objectives

Discover the most important “blue” grape variety along the Danube!

Build awareness and establish demand for Blaufrankisch and the other indigenous grape varieties among UK consumers and trade. Make the local CEE red wines available to the consumers.

Kekfrankos (Hungary), Blaufrankisch (Austria), Frankovka Modra (Slovakia) – different names for the identical grape variety throughout Central and Eastern Europe. It is one of the most popular, characteristic, and versatile grape varieties cultivated in Central and Eastern Europe.

Create an opportunity to get to know the indigenous black grape varieties and discover the versatility throughout styles and terroirs during the tasting event for the second time in the UK.

Wine Communication and Caroline Gilby MW would like to invite you to the second ever ‘Blue of the Danube’wine tasting.

This unique and exciting trade-only event will explore the various faces of the iconic blue grape of Central Europe: Blaufränkisch (aka Kékfrankos, Frankovka, Modra Frankinja, Borgonja and Burgund Mare).

This year we are also inviting other iconic, blue-skinned grapes from countries in the Danube basin, so this is a unique chance to discover grapes like Mavrud, Kadarka/Gamza, Feteasca Neagra, Novac, Negru De Drăgășani, Teran, Blatina, Trnjak, Kratošija, Busuioacă and much more.

Caroline Gilby MW will be leading masterclasses on the day looking at Blaufränkisch in all its guises, including its role in Hungary’s modern Bikavér blends. She will also be highlighting the flagship grapes of the region and telling the stories of how some of these have been rescued from the brink of extinction.

Caroline says, “Now is the time to discover the wines of the Danube basin through the lens of the region’s unique local grapes. These indigenous grapes can really tell the story of each country’s wine history and culture, and where its winemaking story is today. This is an event not to be missed.”

More than 50 producers from Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Romania, Moldova, Bosnia I Herzegovina, Slovenia and others will be showcasing their indigenous grapes.

How to participate?

An opportunity for 50 wineries to show their wines to the UK trade – importers, distributors, independents, sommeliers, and press and create awareness for Blaufrankisch and the other CEE indigenous grape varieties.

100% blaufrankisch or other indigenous Central and Eastern European black grape variety, or its blends (min 30%) red wines and roses

Winery representation: Minimum 1 person/table – preferably winemaker, imported wines could be represented by importer

Samples: 3 bottles/wines by 22 September 2022.

Additional 3 bottles of the wines in case of masterclass participation

Prices:

£760 / winery (3-6 wines)

(in case of 1, max 2 wines £550 / winery)

Please contact Zsuzsa Toronyi with your interest by 25 Augustus 2022, zsuzsa@winehungary.co.uk

When?

12^th October 2022, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm

Where?

Town Hall Hotel – 8 Patriot Square ¦ E2 9NF ¦London

WINES

Blaufrankisch and other CEE indigenous black grapes and blends (min 30% local grape), roses
(kadarka, rara neagra, dunaj, laska, fateasca neagra, separavi, mavrud, melnik, rubin…)

INVITEES

Importers, sommeliers, journalists, independents buyers, opinion leaders, influencers.