Czech Wine

Czechia has two primary wine regions, Moravia and Bohemia, each offering unique experiences for wine enthusiasts.

Moravia (Vinařská oblast Morava) is located in the southeastern part of the country and is the heart of Czech winemaking, accounting for approximately 96% of the nation’s vineyards. The region’s diverse microclimates and fertile soils contribute to a wide variety of high-quality wines. There are four primary subregions:

Mikulovská: Centered around the town of Mikulov, this area is renowned for its limestone-rich soils, producing exceptional white wines like Riesling and Chardonnay.

Znojemská: Known for aromatic white varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc and Grüner Veltliner, benefiting from the Podyjí National Park’s unique terroir.

Velkopavlovická: This subregion excels in red wine production, particularly Blaufränkisch (Frankovka) and St. Laurent, thanks to its warmer climate.

Slovácká: A diverse area with both white and red varieties, it’s also the cultural center of Moravian Slovakia, offering rich folklore and wine traditions.

Bohemia (Vinařská oblast Čechy) is located in the northwest, Bohemia represents a smaller portion of Czech viticulture but holds historical significance.  The region’s cooler climate results in wines with higher acidity and delicate flavor.

While Bohemia accounts for only about 4% of the country’s vineyards, its proximity to Prague makes it accessible for visitors interested in exploring Czech wine culture.

The primary subregions are:

Mělnická: Centered around the town of Mělník, this area has a winemaking history dating back to the 9th century and is known for Pinot Noir and Müller-Thurgau.

Litoměřická: Located near the town of Litoměřice, this subregion produces mainly white wines, with Riesling and Pinot Gris being prominent.

About two-thirds of Czech wines are white, with Grüner Veltliner as the most widely planted variety.

White Grapes

Pinot Gris (Rulandské šedé) is a versatile white wine with rich, fruity flavors of pear, apple, and honey. Czech versions can range from dry to sweet, often with a creamy texture and light spiciness.

Riesling (Ryzlink rýnský) is one of the top Czech whites, known for its elegant structure, crisp acidity, and flavors of citrus, green apple, and stone fruits. Often develops beautiful minerality with age.

Czech Chardonnay tends to be fresh, balanced, and lightly oaked (if at all), highlighting apple, melon, and buttery notes without being overly heavy.

Zesty and aromatic, Czech Sauvignon Blanc offers lively flavors of gooseberry, elderflower, and green herbs, often with a refreshing crispness ideal for summer sipping.

Gewürztraminer (Tramín červený) is an intensely aromatic wine with exotic notes of lychee, rose petals, and spice. Czech Gewürztraminer often leans slightly sweeter, making it a great match for rich foods or spicy dishes.

Pálava is a unique Czech varietal, a cross between Gewürztraminer and Müller-Thurgau. It’s highly aromatic, lush, and often semi-sweet, bursting with floral, tropical, and honeyed flavors.

Grüner Veltliner (Veltlínské zelené) is light and peppery with crisp acidity. Czech Grüner Veltliner showcases citrus, green apple, and a signature white pepper spiciness. It’s a food-friendly, refreshing choice.

Welschriesling (Ryzlink vlašský) is not actually related to true Riesling. It is a lighter, easy-drinking wine with delicate flavors of green apple, lemon, and subtle florals. Great in both dry and late-harvest (sweet) styles.

Müller-Thurgau is a soft, aromatic white with notes of peach, flower blossoms, and mild citrus. Often enjoyed young for its easy-drinking character and gentle freshness.

Red Grapes

Pinot Noir (Rulandské modré) is an elegant, lighter-bodied red with flavors of cherry, raspberry, and subtle earthy notes. Czech Pinot Noir is known for its finesse and soft tannins, often with a slightly spicy finish.

Blaufränkisch (Frankovka) is a Central European favorite producing medium-bodied wines with juicy dark fruit (like blackberry and plum) and a lively, peppery spice. Czech Frankovka is fresh, vibrant, and great with food.

Zweigelt (Zweigeltrebe) is a smooth, fruit-forward red blending the qualities of Blaufränkisch and Saint Laurent. Expect ripe cherry, soft tannins, and a hint of spiciness, making it an easy-drinking, versatile wine.

Saint Laurent (Svatovavřinecké) is deeply colored and aromatic, with flavors of black cherry, plum, and sometimes a touch of chocolate. Czech Saint Laurent tends to be a bit fuller and richer than Pinot Noir.

In Czechia’s cooler climate, Cabernet Sauvignon shows red rather than black fruit notes (think currants and cherries), with structured tannins and a touch of green pepper or herbal character.

Blauer Portugieser (Modrý Portugal) is a light, soft red wine perfect for casual drinking. It offers gentle red fruit flavors like strawberry and raspberry, low tannins, and an easy, smooth finish.

Czech Merlot tends to be softer and lighter compared to versions from warmer regions, featuring plum, cherry, and a bit of herbal freshness. It’s round and approachable.

Cabernet Moravia is a hybrid grape created from Zweigelt and Cabernet Franc. It is unique to Czech winemaking, offering lively red berry flavors, peppery spice, and soft tannins. It’s fresh, aromatic, and particularly popular in Moravia.