Introduction

By Lisa Rowlands

The Czech Republic - known also by the name Czechia - is a landlocked country at the heart of Europe best known for its culture-steeped capital city, its fairy tale castles and its national parks. However, beyond the abundance of attractions that make Prague a firm favourite with travellers, this compact country has plenty more to offer.

Whilst still a small industry, Czech wine has been consistently growing in size and reputation since the turn of the century. Years of communist rule in former Czechoslovakia led to the nationalisation of vineyards and wineries with a focus firmly on quantity rather than quality. However, following the formation of the new country in 1993, and with the support of government driven financial incentives, vineyards were replanted, cellars updated and winemakers enthused by a renewed focus on high quality viticulture.

There are two distinct wine regions in the Czech Republic of which Moravia is by far the most productive, yielding around 95% of the country’s wine grapes. This area experiences a largely continental climate with a mild and relatively dry growing season and plenty of intense summer sunshine. Grapes such as Riesling, Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc develop slowly in these conditions, balancing full flavours with natural acidity and delivering expressive, aromatic wines which are slowly beginning to gain recognition on the international stage.

Regions of the Czech Republic

Bohemia

The Bohemia wine region is located in the western part of the Czech Republic and is known for its long history of winemaking, dating back to the Middle Ages. The region produces a variety of wines, including white, red, and rosé, but is best known for its crisp, acidic white wines made from grapes such as Müller-Thurgau and Grüner Veltliner. The vineyards in Bohemia are situated on steep slopes along the Vltava River and benefit from a mild climate and fertile soil, which contribute to the distinctive character of the wines. The Bohemia wine region is a small but popular destination for wine lovers seeking to explore the traditions of Czech winemaking.

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Moravia

The Moravia wine region is located in the eastern part of the Czech Republic and is the country’s largest wine-producing region, accounting for around 95% of its total wine production. Moravia is known for its excellent white wines, particularly those made from the Grüner Veltliner, Welschriesling, and Müller-Thurgau grape varieties. The region’s vineyards are situated on gentle hills and rolling landscapes, benefiting from a warm climate and rich soils that lend depth and complexity to the wines. The Moravia wine region is a popular destination for wine lovers seeking to discover the unique flavours and traditions of Czech winemaking.

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