Wine from Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is above all a country of bright, food-friendly white wines. Around 96% of its vineyards lie in Moravia, the warmer southern and south-eastern part of the country, so Czech wine is often simply called Moravian wine. Loess, clay and locally stony or limestone-rich soils, together with a continental climate and cool nights, help grapes retain acidity and aromatic definition. Harvest commonly comes later than in Europe’s warmer wine regions.

Moravia is divided into the Mikulovská, Slovácká, Velkopavlovická and Znojemská subregions. Mikulovská, around Mikulov and the limestone hills of Pálava, has a close association with Riesling, Welschriesling and aromatic varieties. Velkopavlovická, including Velké Krumvíř, produces both whites and reds, with Blaufränkisch? No: Modrý Portugal, or Blauer Portugieser, historically important. Znojmo is noted for lively, often spicy white wines. Bohemia has smaller, more northerly vineyards around places such as Mělník, where the cooler conditions favour elegant whites and lighter reds.

Riesling, Welschriesling and Müller-Thurgau form an important white-wine foundation. Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Moravian Muscat add richer or more overtly aromatic expressions. Key red grapes include Blauer Portugieser, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. At their best, dry whites tend toward tension, blossom, apple, citrus and stone fruit rather than broad richness; off-dry and sweet wines also have a place. Reds are often supple to medium-bodied, although Pinot Noir and more ambitious blends can offer greater structure and ageing capacity.

Czech wine law includes country wine, quality wine and quality wine with predicate, known as jakostní víno s přívlastkem. The latter category includes Kabinet, late harvest, grape selection, berry selection, ice wine and straw wine. VOC is a designation for origin-based wines made under the rules of a particular appellation. For wine lovers, the country offers a compelling mix of regional character, vivid whites and an expanding range of familiar international varieties.