🇨🇿 Czech Wine

Czechia: A Land of Fine Wine

When you think of Czech drinks, Czech beer likely comes to mind first. However, don't overlook the lesser-known yet remarkable Czech wines. This page provides essential information to help you choose your first Czech wine.

What Is Czechia?

The Czech Republic is a Central European country bordered by Germany, Austria, Poland, and Slovakia. Its people are of Slavic descent, and the official language is Czech. The country has a land area of 78,871 km² (approximately the size of Kyushu) and a population of 10,516,707 (2022 data). The capital city is Prague.

A Brief History of Czechia

• From the 5th to the 2nd century BCE, Celtic settlers inhabited the area.
• Germanic tribes settled around the 1st century CE.
• Slavic and Hungarian tribes settled until around the 7th century.
• The Moravian Kingdom was established around the 8th century.
• The Kingdom of Bohemia emerged around the 9th century.
• By the 11th century, Bohemia became part of the Holy Roman Empire.
• German settlers arrived during the 13th century.
• Bohemia fought the Mongols during the 13th and 14th centuries.
• In the 14th century, the German Luxembourgs inherited the Bohemian throne, and Prague became a cultural hub of Europe.
• The Thirty Years' War lasted from 1618 to 1648.
• The Ottoman Empire invaded in 1663.
• After the war, the Habsburgs solidified their control over Bohemia, with Vienna becoming the political and cultural center, and Prague losing its prominence.
• The Holy Roman Empire dissolved in 1806.
• Bohemia became part of the Austrian Empire.
• In 1848, a failed revolution against Austria took place.
• Discontent with the Austro-Hungarian Empire led to independence movements.
• After World War I, Czechoslovakia was founded in 1918.
• The Munich Agreement led to the collapse of Czechoslovakia in 1938, and Bohemia and Moravia became a German protectorate.
• Czechoslovakia regained independence after World War II but became a communist state in 1948.
• The Prague Spring occurred in 1968.
• The Velvet Revolution of 1989 ended communist rule.
• Czechia peacefully separated from Slovakia in 1993.
• Czechia joined the EU in 2004.

Czech Wine: Key Facts

Key Facts as of 2019

• Vineyard area: approx. 18,189 hectares
• Global ranking: 40th
• Per capita wine consumption: 25L/year
• Number of EU-registered PGIs: 2
• Number of EU-registered PDOs: 11

The History of Czech Wine

• Viticulture spread during the 2nd and 3rd centuries under the Roman Empire's influence.
• It is believed that Grüner Veltliner and Italian Riesling were introduced during Roman times.
• Artifacts such as pruning knives and grape seeds indicate that viticulture was widespread among Slavs between 833 and 906 CE.
• In the 13th century, large vineyards were established by monasteries. New grape varieties from France and Germany were introduced, and modern pruning techniques were adopted.
• A new wine law was introduced in 1309, further advancing winemaking in southern Moravia.
• Many wineries were lost during the Thirty Years' War (1618–1648).
• Wineries recovered over the next 100 years following the war.
• In 1763, Moravian wine production was restricted due to pressure from Austrian producers.
• The restrictions were lifted in 1783, and a new wine law was introduced.
• Wine schools were established during the 19th and 20th centuries (Bzenec in 1855, Znojmo in 1868, Valtice in 1873, Mělník in 1882, Lednice in 1895, Mikulov in 1903, Klobouky in 1921).
• Phylloxera was first reported in 1890, reducing vineyard areas to 3,870 hectares by 1930.
• Phylloxera-resistant rootstock was used to replant vineyards with high-quality single varieties.
• During the communist era, mass production of low-quality wine became common.
• The wine law (Law 115/1995) was revised in 1995.
• With EU accession, the wine law was updated to comply with EU standards.

Environmental Efforts

After joining the EU, Czech winemaking has focused more on quality than quantity, adopting modern techniques and environmentally friendly grape-growing practices. The country uses relatively low amounts of pesticides, emphasizing a natural approach.

Wine Regions in Czechia

Czechia has two major wine regions: Bohemia and Moravia, each divided into wine districts. As of 2019, the total vineyard area in Czechia is 18,189 hectares.

Moravia Wine Region

Most Czech wine is produced in the Moravian wine region, which covers 17,529 hectares (2019 data) or 96.37% of the country's vineyards. The average temperature is 10.35°C, with annual rainfall of 568 mm. Its latitude (around 49°) is similar to that of the Champagne region in France.

The Moravian wine region is divided into four districts:

• Znojemská District: 90 villages, 218 vineyards, 1,095 producers. Vineyard area: 3,198 hectares.
• Mikulovská District: 30 villages, 185 vineyards, 2,332 producers. Vineyard area: 4,984 hectares.
• Velkopavlovická District: 70 villages, 321 vineyards, 6,576 producers. Vineyard area: 4,871 hectares.
• Slovácká District: 118 villages, 418 vineyards, 7,688 producers. Vineyard area: 4,469 hectares.
• Uncategorized vineyards: 7 hectares.

Bohemia Wine Region

Bohemia's total vineyard area is 659 hectares (2019 data), making it much smaller than the Moravian region, covering just 3.63% of Czech vineyards.

Known as one of Europe’s coolest wine regions, it is located around latitude 50°, similar to Germany’s Rheingau. The soil is primarily limestone-based with gravelly subsoil.

The Bohemian wine region is divided into two districts:

• Mělnická District: 40 villages, 89 vineyards, 98 producers. Vineyard area: 322 hectares.
• Litoměřická District: 35 villages, 82 vineyards, 50 producers. Vineyard area: 326 hectares.
• Uncategorized vineyards: 11 hectares.

Labeling of Wine Regions

Most wines are made for the domestic market, so the labels are written in Czech. Here are the key terms for understanding the wine regions in Czech:

• Wine region = Vinařská oblast
• Wine district = Vinařská podoblast
• Wine village = Vinařská obec
• Wine vineyard = Trat
• Grape grower = Péstitelu

Grape Varieties in Czechia

Top 25 grape varieties grown in Czechia

1. Grüner Veltliner
   Czech ⇨ Veltlínské zelené
   Japanese ⇨ グリューナー・ヴェルトリーナー
   Area cultivated ⇨ 1,677 hectares (9.2%)
2. Müller Thurgau
   Czech ⇨ Müller Thurgau
   Japanese ⇨ ミュラー・トゥルガウ
   Area cultivated ⇨ 1,458 hectares (8.3%)
3. Rhein Riesling
   Czech ⇨ Ryzlink rýnský
   Japanese ⇨ ライン・リースリング
   Area cultivated ⇨ 1,359 hectares (7.4%)
4. Welschriesling
   Czech ⇨ Ryzlink vlašský
   Japanese ⇨ リースリング・イタリコ
   Area cultivated ⇨ 1,182 hectares (6.5%)
5. Blaufränkisch
   Czech ⇨ Frankovka
   Japanese ⇨ ブラウフレンキッシュ
   Area cultivated ⇨ 1,079 hectares (6.0%)
6. Saint Laurent
   Czech ⇨ Svatovavřinecké
   Japanese ⇨ サン・ローラン
   Area cultivated ⇨ 1,053 hectares (5.8%)
7. Pinot gris
   Czech ⇨ Rulandské šedé
   Japanese ⇨ ピノ・グリ
   Area cultivated ⇨ 1,014 hectares (5.6%)
8. Chardonnay
   Czech ⇨ Chardonnay
   Japanese ⇨ シャルドネ
   Area cultivated ⇨ 973 hectares (5.3%)
9. Sauvignon blanc
   Czech ⇨ Sauvignon
   Japanese ⇨ ソーヴィニヨン・ブラン
   Area cultivated ⇨ 972 hectares (5.3%)
10. Pinot blanc
    Czech ⇨ Rulandské bílé
    Japanese ⇨ ピノ・ブラン
    Area cultivated ⇨ 793 hectares (4.4%)
11. Zweigeltrebe
    Czech ⇨ Zweigeltrebe
    Japanese ⇨ ツヴァイゲルト
    Area cultivated ⇨ 753 hectares (4.2%)
12. Pinot noir
    Czech ⇨ Rulandské bílé
    Japanese ⇨ ピノ・ノワール
    Area cultivated ⇨ 728 hectares (4.0%)
13. Gewürztraminer
    Czech ⇨ Tramín červený
    Japanese ⇨ ゲヴュルツトラミネール
    Area cultivated ⇨ 700 hectares (3.8%)
14. Pálava
    Czech ⇨ Pálava
    Japanese ⇨ パーラバ
    Area cultivated ⇨ 654 hectares (3.6%)
15. Blauer Portugieser
    Czech ⇨ Modrý Portugal
    Japanese ⇨ ブラウアー・ポルトギーザー
    Area cultivated ⇨ 566 hectares (3.1%)
16. Moravian Muscat
    Czech ⇨ Muškát moravský
    Japanese ⇨ モラヴィアン・マスカット
    Area cultivated ⇨ 457 hectares (2.5%)
17. Hibernal
    Czech ⇨ Hibernal
    Japanese ⇨ ヒベルナル
    Area cultivated ⇨ 342 hectares (1.9%)
18. Neuburger
    Czech ⇨ Neuburské
    Japanese ⇨ ノイブルガー
    Area cultivated ⇨ 282 hectares (1.6%)
19. Cabernet Sauvignon
    Czech ⇨ Cabernet Sauvignon
    Japanese ⇨ カベルネ・ソーヴィニヨン
    Area cultivated ⇨ 232 hectares (1.3%)
20. André
    Czech ⇨ André
    Japanese ⇨ アンドレ
    Area cultivated ⇨ 208 hectares (1.2%)
21. Cabernet Moravia
    Czech ⇨ Cabernet Moravia
    Japanese ⇨ カベルネ・モラヴィア
    Area cultivated ⇨ 193 hectares (1.1%)
22. Grüner Silvaner
    Czech ⇨ Sylvánské zelené
    Japanese ⇨ グリューナー・シルヴァーナー
    Area cultivated ⇨ 172 hectares (0.9%)
23. Dornfelder
    Czech ⇨ Dornfelder
    Japanese ⇨ ドルンフェルダー
    Area cultivated ⇨ 155 hectares (0.9%)
24. Malvasia
    Czech ⇨ Veltlínské červené rané
    Japanese ⇨ マルヴァジーア
    Area cultivated ⇨ 150 hectares (0.8%)
25. Merlot
    Czech ⇨ Merlot
    Japanese ⇨ メルロー
    Area cultivated ⇨ 125 hectares (0.7%)

Wine Law and Quality Classification

Overview of Czech Wine Law

The current Czech wine law is integrated with EU regulations and largely classified by region. Wines with geographical indication are further categorized based on the must weight of the grape juice at harvest, measured in a Czech-specific unit called °NM (a must meter). For example, 1°NM represents 1 kilogram of sugar in 100 liters of juice.

Quality Classification by Region

1. Wines without Geographical Indication

Previously known as "Stolní vino" (table wine), these wines are now simply labeled as "vino" (wine). They are made from grapes grown within the EU, with minimal regulations, and are considered the lowest quality wines. Grape varieties and vintage are generally not listed, although some producers may include this information.

2. Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) Wines

Known in Czech as "CHRÁNĚNÉ ZEMĚPISNÉ OZNAČENÍ (CHZO)," equivalent to the EU's PGI. CHZO may not always appear on labels, instead replaced by the Czech-specific "Zemské víno," which directly translates to "land wine." Zemské víno is made from grapes grown in recognized vineyards in Czechia. Grape varieties must be authorized by at least one EU country and must have at least 14°NM at harvest.

Czechia has two CHZO regions: "Moravské zemské víno" (Moravian land wine) and "České zemské víno" (Bohemian land wine), which are indicated on the labels, along with the vintage and grape varieties.

3. Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) Wines

Protected Designation of Origin wines are referred to as CHRÁNĚNÉ OZNAČENÍ PŮVODU (CHOP) in Czech. This corresponds to the EU’s Protected Designation of Origin (PDO). Note that CHOP may not always appear on the label, so it's essential to check carefully. Instead, the following Czech-specific quality classification system is often displayed.

1. Jakostní víno (Jakostní víno = High-quality wine)
   The grapes must be harvested and the wine must be produced in a single viticultural zone. The grape juice at harvest must be at least 15°NM. If the wine is made from three or fewer grape varieties, the label will display the term “odrůdové = Varietal wine” along with the names of the grape varieties. If the wine is made from four or more grape varieties, it will be labeled as “známkové = Branded wine.” The blend of grape varieties in “Branded wine” must follow the approved method for that region.
2. Jakostní víno s přívlastkem (Jakostní víno s přívlastkem = Quality wine with special attributes)
   In addition to meeting the requirements for Jakostní víno, the wine must be made from grapes from a single viticultural zone. Chaptalization (adding sugar) is not permitted. The designation is determined by °NM. The origin, sweetness, and grape variety must be verified by a national agency. The designations are as follows:
   2.1 Kabinetní víno (Kabinetní víno)
   Grape juice at harvest must be at least 19°NM. Generally, this is a light-bodied, dry wine that is easy to drink.
   2.2 Pozdní sběr (Late harvest)
   Grape juice at harvest must be at least 21°NM. This wine typically ranges from dry to off-dry and is medium-bodied or heavier.
   2.3 Výběr z hroznů (Selection of grapes)
   Grape juice at harvest must be at least 24°NM. These wines are usually full-bodied, with a relatively high alcohol content. There are also medium-sweet or sweet wines with higher residual sugar.
   2.4 Výběr z bobulí (Selection of berries)
   Grape juice at harvest must be at least 27°NM. These are full-bodied, medium-sweet to sweet wines.
   2.5 Ledové Víno (Ice wine)
   Grape juice at harvest must be at least 27°NM. The grapes must be harvested when the temperature is below -7°C. This is a concentrated sweet wine.
   2.6 Slámové víno (Straw wine)
   Grape juice at harvest must be at least 27°NM. These wines are made from grapes dried on straw or in a well-ventilated space. The drying period must be at least 3 months, but if the juice reaches 32°NM or higher, the drying period can be shortened to 2 months. This is a concentrated sweet wine.
   2.7 Výběr z cibéb (Selection of botrytized grapes)
   Grape juice at harvest must be at least 32°NM. The grapes are pressed when they are nearly in a raisin state. This is a concentrated sweet wine.
3. Víno originální certifikace (V.O.C) (Wine with original certification)
   The V.O.C. system runs parallel to the classification based on grape juice sugar content. It requires that each region meet specific criteria regarding grape varieties, vineyards, aroma, and flavor. The Czech V.O.C. system is equivalent to France’s A.O.C., Austria’s D.A.C., and Romania’s D.O.C. systems. V.O.C.-certified wines undergo strict scrutiny, and the bottle must bear a national V.O.C. sticker. Since counterfeit wines sometimes appear in the Japanese market, it’s recommended to check for the V.O.C. sticker (counterfeit wines do not have this sticker).

Classification by Residual Sugar

1. Suché (Dry)
   Residual sugar is below 4g/L. If the difference between residual sugar and total acidity is less than 2g/L, residual sugar must be below 9g/L.
2. Polosuché (Off-dry)
   Residual sugar is below 12g/L. If the difference between residual sugar and total acidity is less than 10g/L, residual sugar must be below 18g/L.
3. Polosladké (Medium-sweet)
   Residual sugar is below 45g/L.
4. Sladké (Sweet)
   Residual sugar is 45g/L or higher.

Labeling Laws for Czech Wines

Most Czech wine labels are written in Czech. Below are key terms and expressions to help you understand these labels.

① Geographic Indications

• Vinařská oblast = Viticultural region
• Vinařská podoblast = Viticultural district
• Vinařská obec = Viticultural village
• Viniční Trat = Vineyard
• Péstitelu = Grape grower

② Geographic and District Names

• Morava = Moravia region
  ・Znojemská = Znojmo district
  ・Mikulovská = Mikulov district
  ・Velkopavlovická = Velkopavlovická district
  ・Slovácká = Slovácko district

• Čechy = Bohemia region
  ・Mělnická = Melnik district
  ・Litoměřická = Litomerice district

③ Quality Classifications

• Vino = Wine
• CHRÁNĚNÉ ZEMĚPISNÉ OZNAČENÍ (CHZO) = Protected Geographical Indication (Equivalent to EU’s PGI)
  ・Zemské víno = Land wine
  ・Moravské zemské víno = Moravian land wine
  ・České zemské víno = Bohemian land wine
• CHRÁNĚNÉ OZNAČENÍ PŮVODU (CHOP) = Protected Designation of Origin (Equivalent to EU’s PDO)
  ・Jakostní víno = Quality wine
  ・Odrůdové = Varietal wine
  ・Jakostní víno s přívlastkem = Quality wine with special attributes
  ・Kabinetní víno = Kabinett
  ・Pozdní sběr = Late harvest
  ・Výběr z hroznů = Selection of grapes
  ・Výběr z bobulí = Selection of berries
  ・Ledové Víno = Ice wine
  ・Slámové víno = Straw wine
  ・Výběr z cibéb = Botrytized wine
  ・Víno originální certifikace (V.O.C) = Wine with original certification

④ Residual Sugar Classifications

• Suché = Dry
• Polosuché = Off-dry
• Polosladké = Medium-sweet
• Sladké = Sweet

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