Wine Regions of Europe – Slovakia

Slovakia produces its wine along most of its southern border with Austria and Hungary.

The Malokarpatská, “Lesser Carpathian” wine region, is in the west. Veltlínske Zelenéis is the most grown grape variety, producing light white wines. Rizling Vlašský (Welschriesling) is next, followed by Müller Thurgau. Nitrianska, the “Nitra wine region,” concentrates on the same grapes.

Južnoslovenská, the “South Slovak” wine region, hugs the Austrian border. It is the warmest part of Slovakia, with vineyards planted on Loess uplands. Veltlínske Zelenéis is the most grown grape variety, producing light white wines. Rizling Vlašský (Welschriesling) is next, followed by the red Frankovka Odrá, the Slovakian name for Blaufrankisch. Small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay are produced.

Stredoslovenská. the “Central Slovak wine region,” produces mainly whites from Veltlínske Zelenéis, Rizling Vlašský, Pinot Blanc, and standard Riesling.

Východoslovenská,  the “East Slovak wine region,” produces mainly whites from Rizling Vlašský (Welschriesling), Müller Thurgau, and Riesling. Ten percent of the wine is red from Frankovka modrá.

Tokajská is the Slovakian section of the adjacent and more famous Hungarian region of Tokaji. After much dispute, the Hungarians consented to Slovakia using the Slovakian term “Tokajské,” which means “of Tokaji,” on labels. Hungarian quality standards apply.