The Winery Vinařství Novotný Bílek of Jihomoravsky

Discovering the wine region of Jihomoravsky

Bohemia (Cechy in Czech) of Czech Republic is one of the most northern regions of viniculture in Europe. It was established Long before the expansion of Moravia, but despite this headstart it now accounts for less than five percent of the Czech Republic's annual wine production. Bohemia's position in the Czech wine industry is now largely ceremonial as it covers the picturesque, traditional, historic end of production, leaving the Moravia region to churn out many millions of gallons of wine each year. Bohemia is divided into the two sub-regions of Melnická and Litomerická with a majority of Vineyards concentrated around river systems, especially in the valleys of Vltava, Labe, Berounka and Ohre.

Due to its landlocked location in eastern Europe, the Climate of Bohemia is staunchly continental with four distinct seasons. Summers are Warm, but temperatures rarely surpass 25°C (77°F). Snowfall is common in winter months, especially at higher altitudes, requiring vignerons to Select grape varieties well-suited to cold temperatures. In Melnická, limestone bedrock provides a Rich source of plant-reachable calcium carbonate.

This aids the retention of Acidity and provides nutrients to ripening grapes as well as supplying a high level of water-retention. Litomerická has darker, basalt-based soil types with vineyards found on the southern slopes of Ceské Stredohorí. These are ideal growing conditions for Riesling and Muller-Thurgau, the two most populous varieties. Pinot Noir was imported from Burgundy in the Midde Ages and has done particularly well in Melnická.