Discover Czech Wine: A Hidden Gem for Wine Lovers
When people think of great European wines, their minds often jump to France or Italy. But Czech wine, especially Moravian wines, is an undiscovered treasure waiting to be explored. As a local guide and wine tour organizer, I love introducing travelers to the rolling vineyards of South Moravia, where passionate winemakers craft unique wines with centuries-old traditions. This article provides basic facts on Czech wine to help you organize your wine tasting tour.
The History of Czech Wine: A Tradition Dating Back Over a Thousand Years
Wine has been part of Czech culture for over a millennium. The first vineyards were planted in Great Moravia as early as the 9th century, and by the Middle Ages, Czech wine was well-respected across Europe. The golden age of viticulture in both Moravia and Bohemia is often referred to as the time lasting from the 14th to the 16th centuries. Similarly to elsewhere in Europe great damage was caused to the vineyards by the phylloxera beetle (Viteus vitifolii) at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. Another decline in wine producing came with the communist rule.
In the past few decades, Moravian winemaking has made an incredible comeback. Today, Czech wines regularly win international awards, and local winemakers have mastered a blend of tradition and modern techniques to create high-quality wines.
The Most Popular Czech Wine Varieties
One of the things I love most about Moravian wines is the sheer variety. Whether you prefer crisp whites or bold reds, you’ll find something to suit your taste. The Czech Republic boasts a rich tapestry of grape varieties, reflecting its diverse viticultural heritage. The State Variety Register lists 74 grape varieties, encompassing both white and blue (red) types.
Prominent White Grape Varieties:
- Grüner Veltliner (Veltlínské zelené): The most widely cultivated grape in Czech vineyards, Grüner Veltliner produces wines ranging from fresh and zesty to complex and full-bodied, often exhibiting notes of white pepper and almonds.
- Riesling (Ryzlink rýnský): Celebrated for its aromatic complexity and aging potential, Riesling offers flavors from citrus and green apple in its youth to honeyed and petrol notes as it matures.
- Müller-Thurgau: An early-ripening variety known for its golden-yellow hue, Müller-Thurgau presents a subtle bouquet with hints of almonds, banana, and elderflower, leading to a fruity palate.
- Welschriesling (Ryzlink vlašský): Despite its name, Welschriesling is distinct from Riesling, producing wines with fresh acidity and flavors of green apple, herbs, and sometimes a hint of honey.
Prominent Blue (Red) Grape Varieties:
- Pinot Noir (Rulandské modré): Pinot Noir wines range from pale ruby to brick red, offering aromas of leather, smoke, strawberries, and dried plums, with a refreshing acidity and light, smooth tannins.
- Blaufränkisch (Frankovka): Known for its deep ruby color, Blaufränkisch wines offer a velvety texture with flavors of blackberry, cinnamon, and a spicy finish.
- Saint Laurent (Svatovavřinecké): These wines are characterized by a deep crimson hue and aromas of sour cherry, plum jam, and occasionally blackcurrant, supported by a distinctive tannin structure.
- Zweigeltrebe: A cross between Saint Laurent and Blaufränkisch, Zweigeltrebe produces wines with a dark garnet color, spicy and fruity aromas reminiscent of berry fruits, and a smooth, velvety finish after maturation.
Unlike France and Italy, where wine classification is based on geographical regions (AOC in France, DOC/DOCG in Italy), Czech wine classification focuses on ripeness and must weight (sugar content in the grapes). This is similar to Germany’s Prädikatswein system. This system means you’ll often see Czech wines labeled with terms like “pozdní sběr” (late harvest) or “výběr z hroznů” (selection of grapes)—signs of high-quality wines!
Czech Wine Regions: Where to Find the Best Moravian Wines
The Czech Republic is divided into two wine regions: Bohemia and Moravia. While Bohemia has a small but historic wine scene, Moravia is the true heart of Czech winemaking, producing about 96% of the country’s wine.
The Moravian Wine Region
If you want to explore Czech vineyards, Moravia is the place to go. Encompassing 17,025 hectares, it comprises 308 wine-growing villages and 1,142 vineyard tracks, managed by nearly 13,894 growers. This region is divided into four subregions, each with its own specialties:
- Mikulovská – The warmest area, famous for Ryzlink vlašský (Welschriesling) and the unique Pálava wine, named after the stunning Pálava Hills. The jewel of the sub-region is the picturesque town of Mikulov, and, of course, the Lednice-Valtice area, registered on the UNESCO list.
- Velkopavlovická – Stretch from Brno to Velké Bílovice and Velké Pavlovice. Grüner Veltliner is at the top of the scale of the most grown varieties, but in second and third position are full-bodied red wines like Frankovka (Blaufränkisch) and Svatovavřinecké (Saint Laurent).
- Znojemská – Lies in the western part of South Moravia. It is a region specializing in aromatic white wines, especially Sauvignon Blanc, Grüner Veltliner, Muller Thurgau and Riesling varieties. The proportion of blue varieties is smaller, but the original Blaufrankisch, St. Laurent and Blauer Portugieser, from the area of Dolní Kounice, has an excellent reputation. The wine centre of the sub-region is Znojmo town, the former royal town.
- Slovácká – Vineyards on the border with Slovakia and Austria, have very diverse natural conditions that reflect in wine varieties. The most widespread varieties are Muller Thurgau, Riesling, Pinot Blanc and from blue varieties Blaufrankisch, Zweigelt and Cabernet Moravia. The jewels of Slovácko include the area of the historical wine cellars Plže.
The Bohemian Wine Region
This smaller wine region near Prague is home to historic vineyards in areas like Mělník and Litoměřice. Bohemia covers approximately 710 hectares. It includes 75 wine-growing villages and 171 vineyard tracks, tended by 195 growers. Bohemian wines tend to be lighter and more delicate, influenced by the region’s cooler climate.
Plan your wine tasting trip
If you’re planning a trip to the Czech Republic and want to explore authentic Czech wine culture, let me take you on a wine tasting trip—a journey filled with scenic landscapes, charming cellars, and, of course, delicious wine.
