At 12.1% alcohol, the 2017 Tomasello Blaufrankisch from the Outer Coastal Plain of New Jersey, scored an excellent 16 points on the Dionysian scale. Costing under $20, the wine is a 100% vertical, and the grape is considered the best Hungarian grape. It is also know as Lemberger in some states.

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This grape makes excellent wine in Austria,. Germany, and Bulgaria as well as other eastern European countries.

It is dark purple, with oak and black fruits on its nose. It is balanced well with good acids for aging. The wine will match any red meat is is known in Europe as a pairing for wild game.

I found it very similar to the ones I’ve tasted in the Czech Republic, and it’s as good or better than any I’ve had from Washington State.  In Vino Veritas.