WORTH THE HYPE: THURSTQUEEN SPILLS TEA ON SLOVAKIAN WINE AND WHY THIS HIDDEN REGION NEEDS TO BE ON YOUR RADAR FOR 2023 AND BEYOND
So what’s the deal with Slovakian wine?
Lately I’ve been really vibing with Eastern European wines, more specifically wines from Slovakia. There’s a rainbow of different wines that come out of this cooler climate region, and the majority of Slovakian wines are fairly affordable, with a great value to dollar ratio. I personally believe this is because few people know about Slovakia and Eastern European wines in general - but this secret serves to your advantage Thurstqueens. You can find some insanely good wines in this region and save some of your hard earned cash for other things, like going out to dinner or splurging on clothes at The Reformation’s semi annual sale. You know, important things like that.
What kind of wines come from Slovakia?
I’m not bullshitting you when I say there’s something for everyone in this wine region. If you’re a fan of high acid whites, Slovakia definitely has more than its fair share of those. If you like really crazy, aromatic, and weird orange wines —- yeah Slovakia does that too. If you’re OBSESSED with the rosé all day hashtag, you’ll probably be able to find several wines from this region you can snap and upload to the ‘gram. Slovakia even has its share of bigger, richer reds - and the winemakers in this region do a damn fine job of keeping them balanced and fresh. Essentially, the wines from this part of the world are on point. And I’m more than happy to hype them on Thurstqueen until I’m blue in the face.
But there’s something else about the story of Slovakia and the winemakers that grow their vines there that really captured - and continues to capture - my attention. To me, Slovakian wines symbolize resilience. This resilience is interwoven within the region’s rich and complicated history. So let’s take a second to chat about the history of Slovakian winemaking.
The history of Slovakian Winemaking
After meeting with a few winemakers and researching the region as a whole, it’s clear to me Slovakia’s winemaking history is one of fits and starts. As a matter of fact, you can divide the region’s history into two parts: before Communism and after Communism. So let’s do that, shall we?
Slovakian Winemaking Before Communism:
Winemaking in the region goes all the way back to the 7th Century B.C. when Celtic settlers planted vines on the hillsides of Eastern Bratislava. They were drawn to the region’s climate, more specifically the hot Summers, cold winters, strong temperature shifts that put just the right amount of stress on the grapes, and sloping hills. Essentially, this made the region perfect for grape growing. In the Middle Ages, Slovakian wine was prized by Austro-Hungarian royalty, and up until 1940, the region had about 2,000 years of viticultural techniques, history and tradition under its belt. But during the Communist regime of 1948 that all changed.
Slovakian Winemaking During The Communist Regime:
You cannot talk about the history of Slovakian wine without mentioning Communism. Communism wreaked havoc on the country’s wine industry, and a lot of families lost their vineyards from the years 1948 to 1989, when they were taken over by the state. The government was all about mass production and maximizing yields. It wasn’t until after the Velvet Revolution in 1989 that the families got their land back and had to rebuild everything, as a lot of the vineyards were in shambles. After the Velvet Revolution, there were periods of economic and political uncertainty, which posed further challenges for winegrowers within the region. Yet through the uncertainty and through the doubt, these winemakers adapted and pressed on, and I think that’s why this region has such a strong effect on me personally.
Slovakia has made significant strides since the 1990s, and the region now has a growing natural wine scene. Producers like Strekov 1075, Vino Magula, and Mátyás are spearheading the Natural Wine movement within Slovakia, and gaining visibility for the country as a whole. All in all I’d say the future for this region looks bright, and it looks like smaller producers are really pushing the country into the limelight on an international scale.
The Popular White Grapes In Slovakia
You’ll probably be familiar with some of the most famous grapes grown in Slovakia. As far as white grapes grow, you’ll find more than your fair share of Veltínske zelené (Grüner Veltliner), Rizling Vlašsly (Welchriesling,) and Müller-Thurgau. But there are other grapes indigenous to the region like Devín, Svoj Sen, Milia, Pálava, and Tokaj.
The Popular Red Grapes In Slovakia
In terms of red grapes, a lot of the most popular varietals in Slovakia tend to be Austrian varietals - with some international ones interspersed in the mix. Some of the most common red grapes to look out for in your travels are Frankova modrá (Blaufrankisch) Cabernet Sauvignon, Rulandské Modré (Pinot Noir) Modry Portugal (Blauer Portugeiser in Austria) and Svätovarinecké (Saint Laurent). Slovakia also has more than its fair share of indigenous grapes like Iron, Nitria, Rimava and Vat, which usually produce very intense, full bodied wines that would appeal to any and all Cab enthusiasts.
The Most Common Slovakian Wine Regions
There are six major wine regions in Slovakia, and the majority of the wines produced within the country barely reach the United States. That leaves a lot of untapped potential to explore, Thurstqueens. So without further ado — let’s chat about the heavy hitting regions that you’ll probably run into in the wild.
SLOVAKIAN WINE REGION 1: TOKAJ
FOR YOUR SWEET TOOTH
Tokaj is probably Slovakia’s most famous region. Shared with Hungary, a lot of Tokaj wine cellars are underground and carved into the region’s rich volcanic soil. Tokaj is a honeyed, sweet and slightly smoky dessert wine. Sauternes fans who want to venture slightly left of center should consider giving Tokaj a go.
SLOVAKIAN WINE REGION 2: SMALL CARPATHIANS
FOR ALL YOU HISTORY BUFFS
The Small Carpathian wine region has the largest amount of registered vineyards within the entire country and 2,000 years of winemaking history behind it. Of all the places to visit and explore the local vineyards - I’d suggest making the Small Carpathian wine region a priority. With its sunny locations and sandy clay soils, it makes sense the majority of the vineyards are dotted along the Carpathian Wine Route. The soils within the region are mostly granite and schist, yielding very bright and mineral-driven wines. The most common grapes you’ll find here are Welschriesling, Riesling, Blaufrankisch and St. Laurent. So fans of Austrian grapes will be very happy exploring wines from the region.
SLOVAKIAN WINE REGION 3: SOUTH SLOVAK WINE REGION
FOR RED WINE FANS
Just north of the River Danube is the South Slovak wine region. It’s considered the warmest part of Slovakia and the majority of the vineyards are planted on a type of silty soil called loess. Because of the warmer climate and longer sun exposure, the Southern Slovak wine region is perfect for growing fuller bodied red grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Frankova (Blaufrankisch) Saint Laurent and even Pinot Noir. The wines you’ll find here will be a bit plumper, friendlier and fruitier.
SLOVAKIAN WINE REGION 4: NITRA
REISLING FREAKS — REJOICE!
Nitra, or Nitrianska, has a lot more rainfall compared to the rest of the region, and the vines here thrive at higher altitudes than most of Slovakia. The region mostly specializes in Riesling production and cultivating other high acid white grapes because though sunny, the climate is a bit cooler in this part of the country. Fans of aromatic whites like Sylvaner and Muller Thurgau will also be very happy with the wines that come out of this region.
SLOVAKIAN WINE REGION 5: CENTRAL SLOVAK
A WHITE WINE LOVER’S PARADISE
The Central Slovak wine region shares a boarder with Hungary. Approximately 80% of the vines grown within Central Slovakia are white grapes. Only 20% of the wine made in this region is red. The Central Slovak wines you’ll find tend to be refreshing, and you’ll be able to find more than your fair share of Riesling, Welschriesling, Pinot Blanc and other white grapes.
SLOVAKIAN WINE REGION 6: EAST SLOVAKIA
A HIDDEN GEM FOR PEOPLE WHO LOVE VOLCANIC WINES
Eastern Slovakia is probably the most obscure of all Slovakian wine regions. But I’ve heard that wines from this place are worth trying - if you can get ahold of them. Eastern Slovakia has an abundance of volcanic soils, yielding smoky and slightly mineral-driven wines. This region gets the second highest amount of sun per year after the South Slovak wine region, and it is the hardest wine region to travel to in the country. Some of the more popular varietals within the region are Blaufrankisch (Frankova) and Riesling.
