In the first post we started with a short
introduction of Czech wines. For making a better picture of our wines, you
definitely need to know some more information about the grape varieties which are
planted in the Czech Republic.
As we have already mentioned, the total area of
vineyards is about 17.000 ha. Taking into account the small size of area used
for wine growing in the Czech Republic, the local wines are exceptional for its
diversity. There are more than 50 grape varieties planted so everybody could
find his own favourite one.
The prevailing cool climate has helped to grow mainly
white varieties. Among them the most planted are Grüner Veltliner, Müller
Thurgau or noble Riesling which are very typical in our neighboring countries
Germany and Austria as well. Thanks to its high acidity Riesling is often used for production of balanced sweet wines such as ice wines and straw wines. Also Welschriesling is popular to plant especially where
the predominant soil is limestone which gives the wine a plesant minerality. Highly
aromatic grapes are very popular too – Gewürztraminer or Pinot Gris, as well as
Sauvignon Blanc which benefits from the extended ripening period. The world
popular Chardonnay doesn't belong to one of the traditional varieties but it gains
popularity and its planted area is expanding.
Talking about the red wine varieties, the principal
grapes are St-Laurent, Blaufränkisch (Lemberger), Zweigeltrebe and Blauer
Portugieser - these red grapes are grown a lot in the region of Velke Pavlovice
where the soil is magnesium-rich. A smaller part of the production are red
wines from grapes of Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon. In recent years due to
the consequences of global warming, the growing of traditional grapes has started to decline in behalf of e.g. Merlot.
The specific climate conditions has given birth to a
range of native local grape varieties developed by Czech wine breeders to gain
grapes that would perfectly fit the local climate. Among the most popular local grapes belong without a doubt Palava and Moravian Muscat, both white varieties. Palava is a cross of Gewürztraminer and Müller Thurgau and is very
popular for its rich aroma similar to Gewürztraminer enriched with vanilla
tones and attracts with smooth, harmonious taste. Moravian Muscat is a cross of
Muscat Ottonel and Prachttraube charming with its characteristic muscat aroma
and fruity taste.
Both of these local Czech varieties are very popular
with our customers in Asia. When presenting at Vinexpo Hong Kong this May, they
belonged among the most tasted samples of our wines.
What is your favourite grape variety? Do we grow it in the Czech Republic?
See the complete list of the grapes grown in the Czech Republic (entered to State Variety Register to 31.12.2013)
| White grape varieties | Red grape varieties |
| Aurelius | Acolon |
| Auxerrois | Agni |
| Devin | Alibernet |
| Erilon | André |
| Florianka | Ariana |
| Gewürztraminer | Blauburger |
| Grüner Silvaner | Blauer Portugieser |
| Grüner Veltliner (GV) | Blaufränkisch (Lemberger) |
| Hibernal | Cabernet Cortis |
| Chardonnay | Cabernet Dorsa |
| Irsai Oliver | Cabernet Moravia |
| Kerner | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Lena | Cerason |
| Malvasier | Domina |
| Malverina | Dornfelder |
| Moravian Muscat | Fratava |
| Müller Thurgau (Rivaner) | Jakubske |
| Muscat Ottonel | Kofranka |
| Neuburger | Laurot |
| Palava | Merlot |
| Pinot blanc | Nativa |
| Pinot gris | Neronet |
| Riesling | Pinot noir |
| Rinot | Rubinet |
| Sauvignon blanc | Sevar |
| Savilon | St-Laurent |
| Tristar | Zweigeltrebe (Zweigelt) |
| Veritas | |
| Vesna | |
| Vrboska | |
| Welschriesling |
Follow Check Czech Wine to gain new information!
Irsai Oliver!!!!!!!
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