Slovakian wine, hidden gem from Central Europe

Slovakia does not have the image of a wine country in our country. However, wine has been produced there for many centuries. Slovakia is located about as far south as the French Alsace but has a warmer, more continental climate. Excellent for wine growing. Slovakian wines are getting better and better, they are usually white with a spicy aroma. The production is small and you rarely find them in our part of Europe.

Vine growing was introduced to Slovakia by the Romans. During the Czechoslovak era, beer was mainly produced in the Czech Republic and wine in Slovakia. After the peaceful split in 1999, two-thirds of the vineyards were located in Slovakia. In the meantime, the Czech Republic - especially the Moravia region - has re-established itself internationally as a wine country. The Slovaks, despite perhaps a better potential, have lagged behind a bit. The government is not very active in promoting the country's wines internationally. Fortunately, in recent decades, a few winemakers have emerged who know how to press excellent wines.

The Slovak wine regions

Almost all vineyards are located in the southwest of the country. Mainly along three tributaries of the Danube: the Váh, the Hron and the Nitra. The country has six wine regions: Malokarpatský (Little Carpathians) north of the capital Bratislava and up to the Czech border; Juznoslovenský (South Slovakia) south of the capital Bratislava up to the Hungarian border; Nitrianský around the city of Nitra, Stredoslovenský further east on the border with Hungary; Východoslovenský in the east of the country and Tokaj, on the border with Hungary. The latter wine region borders and actually forms one wine region with the famous Tokaj region from Hungary.

Slovak white wines

Most Slovak wine is white. The climate is also best suited for white wines. Slovaks love aromatic white wine and many vineyards are planted with it. You will find Ryzlink Vlasšký (Welschriesling), Ryzlink Rýnský (Rhine Riesling), Müller-thurgau, Veltlínské Zelené (Grüner Veltliner), Rulandské Bílé (Pinot Blanc), Tramin Červiný (Roter Traminer).

Slovak red wines

The red Slovak wines are often made from grapes that you also find in neighboring Austria. The most important are Svatovavřinecké (St. Laurent), Zweigelt, Modrý Portugal (Portugieser), Frankovka Modra (Blaufränkisch) and Rulandské Modré (Pinot Noir). In addition, wine is made from local crosses such as Alibernet, André and Dunaj.