Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
South from Brno toward the borders with Austria and Slovakia, the Moravian
wine region accounts for 96% of the total area under vine in the Czech Republic.
Traditionally, robust red wines were part of the Moravian rural diet, but in recent
years, late-ripening white wines have taken centre stage. With grape ripening
occurring at a slower pace, the emphasis is on full-bodied, aromatic, and often
spicy wines.
The Mikulov sub-region is characterised by the proximity of the Pavlovské
hills, creating a local terrain rich in limestone and sand. Wines to look for during
your visit include the mineral-rich white varietals of Rulandské šedé, Ryzlink
vlašský (better known by its German name of Welschriesling) and Veltlínské
zelené (Grüner Veltliner). Müller-Thurgau and Chardonnay grapes also do well.
Further west, the Znojmo sub-region is situated in the rain shadow of the Bo-
hemian and Moravian highlands, and the soils are more likely to be studded with
gravel and stones. Aromatic white wines including Sauvignon, Pálava and Ryz-
ling rýnský (Riesling) are of notable quality, and red wines, especially Frankovka
(Blaufränkisch), are also worth trying.
Keep an eye out for Czech Tourism's excellent
Through the Land of Wine
bro-
routes and Moravia's growing profile in international wine competitions.
Top spots to try Moravian wines include Mikulov's Vinařské Centrum (
CLICK
Valtice.
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