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Vineyard in Mikulovska
Regardless of the use intended in its subsequent
vinification, the most widely planted varieties in the
Czech Republic are Veltlínské zelené (Grüner Veltli-
ner – 9.2%), Müller Thurgau (8.3%), Ryzlink rýnský
(Riesling – 7.4%), Ryzlink vlašský (Welschriesling –
6.5%) among the whites, and Frankovka (Blaufrän-
kisch – 6%), Svatovavřinecké (Saint Laurent – 5.8%)
and Rulandské modré (Pinot Noir) among the reds.
Even so, there are 35 white varieties and 26 red ones
officially registered in the State Variety Book, althou-
gh many others can be found either in experimental
plots or as residual plantings.
The style of their wines is highly diverse, yet unde-
niably full of personality. The case of Ryzlink rýnský
(Riesling) is particularly revealing, as its profile di-
ffers notably from the German style: generally lower
in acidity, but with a firm bitterness and a more floral
and herbal register than a fruity one. Even so, after
a few years in bottle it continues to develop those
much-appreciated hydrocarbon notes. Depending on
the variety and the region, one can find wines with
very distinctive extremes — from a Tramín červený
(Gewürztraminer) from Velkopavlovická to a Ryzlink
rýnský (Riesling) from Mikulovská.
One of the best ways to understand the wines of the
country is by visiting the Wine Salon of the Czech
Republic in Valtice. There, for 695 CZK (around £24),
you have two hours to taste the nearly 150 wines
presented each season. In addition to the best-
known varieties already mentioned, you can also
sample some more unusual ones such as Medina
(of Spanish origin), Cabernet Cortis and Cabernet
Dorsa (German), or the local white varieties Savilon
and Aurelius.
WINE TOURISM
Without a doubt, the Czech Re-
public is a country worth losing
oneself in among its vineyards
and wines, although a few jugs
of Pilsen must be alternated to
keep the machinery well oiled.
In variety lies pleasure.
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