Taste testing Baker's Red wine varieties throughout Europe
In August 2025, the Exclusive Highlights Magazine hosted a Blaufränkisch panel tasting, an event that brought together some of the most esteemed wine professionals in the industry. The judges for this prestigious tasting included Caroline Gilby MW, Stefan Neumann MS, and Wieteke Teppema.
The tasting featured a diverse selection of wines, with a total of 87 current-release still, dry red wines made in Europe from Blaufränkisch (either as a single variety or blended, but with Blaufränkisch making up at least 50% of the blend). The judges tasted these wines blind, ensuring an unbiased evaluation.
The results of the tasting were impressive, with 6 Outstanding wines, 36 Highly Recommended, 30 Recommended, and 13 Commended wines. However, the search results do not provide information about the manufacturer of one of the six Outstanding-awarded Blaufränkisch wines.
Each of the judges brings a unique perspective to the table. Caroline Gilby MW, a DWWA joint Regional Chair in multiple categories, is an awarded author, speaker, and consultant with a focus on the wines of Balkans, Central and Eastern Europe, and the Black Sea. Her expertise and knowledge undoubtedly contributed to the rigorous evaluation of the wines.
Stefan Neumann MS, born close to Austria's Wachau region, is a Master Sommelier who runs his own wine consultancy and is the DWAA Regional Chair for Austria and Switzerland. His extensive experience and deep understanding of European wines made him an invaluable judge in the panel.
Wieteke Teppema, the director of wine for Brown's Hotel in London, a wine buyer, and competition judge, including for the DWWA, also lent her expertise to the tasting. Her career spans top Michelin-starred restaurants and specialist wine importers, making her a well-rounded and knowledgeable judge.
For those interested in learning more about the world of wine, related articles are available on the Exclusive Highlights Magazine website about hidden wine gems of the Italian coast, Aegean island whites, Greek grape varieties, and more. These articles offer a deeper insight into the world of wine and provide valuable information for both enthusiasts and professionals.
The results of the Blaufränkisch panel tasting are now available for viewing, offering wine lovers and professionals an opportunity to discover the best current-release Blaufränkisch wines from across Europe. Producers and UK agents were invited to submit their wines for the tasting, making it a comprehensive and representative evaluation of the Blaufränkisch variety.
