Slovakija

Slovakia is a country in Central Europe borders with Austria and Hungary, two countries whose wines are in high demand all over the world. Certainly, Hungary and Austria have impact on Slovak winemaking in terms of grape varieties and wine styles. Here, 400 active winemakers producing wines from international or local varieties in 6 main wine regions.  

Slovak grape varieties and key wine regions. 

The most interesting fact about Slovakia is that this county also has the “Tokaj” region, shared with Hungary. This place is famous for its sweet botrytized wines made from a white grape called Furmint. It is a really old area, and it's so important that it's even recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. Slovak winemakers work hard to keep this tradition alive and make sure this special kind of wine continues to be made. 

Not far away from “Tokaj”, you can find the “Eastern Slovakia” with a continental climate and diverse soils. White wines from Pinot Grigio and Gewürztraminer and red wines from Cabernet Sauvignon are produced here.  

One of the main regions in Slovakia is “Malé Karpaty” (Small Carpatians), located near Austrian border. The grapes such as Grüner Veltliner and Welschriesling grow in this terroir, producing crisp and aromatic whites. The region is also renowned for its full-bodied reds, with the indigenous red grapes Saint Laurent and Frankovka (Austrian name - Blaufränkisch). In the cooler site of the region, Pinot Noir thrives with examples of light and fruity reds. The diversity of grapes cultivation is possible here owing to Pannonian climate, similar to that in Austria. 

Contemporary trend between Slovak winemakers is low-intervention and orange wines, produced with care for vineyards and a biodynamic philosophy. One of the leading producers is the Magula family, who express the full Slovak terroir and release a small number of bottles every year.