From Moravia to Bohemia: Central Europe's Hidden Wine Treasure
Sugar-based quality levels
Ripeness hierarchy
First vineyards planted
Royal vineyard expansion
Wine cellar rights
Quantity over quality
Private ownership returns
EU standards adopted
First appellations
International recognition
The heart of Czech wine - 96% of national production
Limestone paradise often called Czech Burgundy. Warmest region with Pálava Hills UNESCO site. Continental climate with Pannonian influence.
Czech red wine capital with warmest temperatures and diverse soils. Red wine focus with 40% of plantings.
Coolest Moravian region in Dyje River valley. Granite and gneiss soils where aromatic varieties excel.
Largest sub-region by area with diverse terroir and strong folk wine traditions.
Small but historic - Prague's local wines (4% of production)
Historic region dating to Charles IV where Vltava meets Elbe. Unique microclimate with chalk and limestone soils.
Czech Rhine Valley with volcanic soils and extreme continental climate.
Original Certified Wine - Czech Republic's appellation system
First VOC (2009)
Established 2011
Established 2012
Terroir expression through strict regulations, similar to French AOC.
From Germanic classics to Czech originals
Czech signature white representing 11% of plantings. Crisp, herbal, white pepper notes. Excellent with Czech cuisine.
Most planted (11.5%)
Quality leader (7%)
Local crossings
Best Regions: Modré Hory, Mikulov, Mělník
Style: Cool climate elegance
Character: Spicy, structured, food-friendly
Best Region: Velké Pavlovice
Style: Terroir-driven, premium quality
Recognition: International awards
Approach: Modern techniques, traditional varieties
Focus: Single vineyard expression
Czech Republic's dynamic natural wine scene
Methods: Native yeasts, minimal SO2, skin contact
Export: Strong international presence
Movement: Growing community, wine bars in Prague
Events: Natural wine fairs gaining popularity
České víno a jídlo - where wine cellars meet hearty cuisine
Where beer country embraces wine tradition
| Czech Term | English | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Víno | Wine | General term for wine |
| Bílé/Červené/Růžové | White/Red/Rosé | Wine colors |
| Suché | Dry | 0-4 g/L residual sugar |
| Polosuché | Semi-dry | 4-12 g/L residual sugar |
| Polosladké | Semi-sweet | 12-45 g/L residual sugar |
| Sladké | Sweet | >45 g/L residual sugar |
| Ročník | Vintage | Year of harvest |
| Odrůda | Grape variety | Type of grape |
| Vinařská oblast | Wine region | Main wine area |
| Viniční trať | Single vineyard | Specific vineyard site |
2018: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent, warm vintage, ripe wines
2019: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very good, balanced wines
2020: ⭐⭐⭐ Challenging spring, good where yields controlled
2021: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Cool, late vintage, elegant wines
2022: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Warm, dry, early harvest
2023: ⭐⭐⭐ Variable, careful selection needed
Top wines showcasing Czech potential
| Style | Region | Producer & Wine | Est. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grüner Veltliner | Mikulov | Gotberg Veltlínské zelené | $12 |
| Riesling | Mikulov | Volařík Ryzlink rýnský | $18 |
| Sauvignon Blanc | Znojmo VOC | Znovín Sauvignon VOC | $10 |
| Pálava | Mikulov | Sonberk Pálava | $15 |
| Müller-Thurgau | Slovácko | Osička Müller-Thurgau | $8 |
| Pinot Noir | Modré Hory VOC | Mikrosvín Pinot Noir | $20 |
| Frankovka | Velké Pavlovice | Spielberg Frankovka | $16 |
| Natural Wine | Moravia | Milan Nestarec Danger 380V | $22 |
| Sparkling | Mikulov | Château Valtice Sekt Brut | $14 |
| Sweet Wine | Znojmo | Lahofer Riesling Slámové víno | $25 |