By Veronika Wills
It is a known fact that wine, at its very best, is connected to other parts of the local culture and other art forms. The Czech and Moravian culture, in particular, has been for centuries, even before its written form, all about music, singing, and dancing. And wine has been intimately intertwined with all these forms, even during the tough times in history.
Music as a universal language does not require a google translator to understand and bond with it. Moravian folklore music is an example of music that is bouncy and lively, at times sad and teary; built with violins, violas, contrabass, a clarinet, and most importantly - the majestic “cymbal” (A Czech word for cimbalom, concert cimbalom, or dulcimer).
A beautiful example of Moravian cymbal music can be found here
What wine do Czech musicians like to drink?
So, what wine do the Czech musicians drink? We happen to know that for a fact: Pinot Blanc. The wine they will go after must be dry and low in alcohol, crisp, refreshingly clean, and with a nice acidity so that a few glasses will not interfere with their performance, only enhance it.
Pinot Blanc is a color mutation of Pinot Grigio which is a color mutation of Pinot Noir.
The serving conditions must be just right too, chilled to the bone. Moravian White from 100% Pinot Blanc by Spevak Winery checks all the boxes.
Is Pinot Blanc the same as the popular Pinot Grigio (Gris)? Not really, yet their DNA has almost 100% homology. Technically speaking, Pinot Blanc is a color mutation of Pinot Grigio which is a color mutation of Pinot Noir. The color of the grape is hiding in the skins of the grapes. Pinot Noir has two outer layers of skin.
The pigment missing in one of the layers yields Pinot grigio, pigment missing in both layers our Pinot Blanc. These mutations took place naturally many centuries ago, most likely somewhere in Burgundy or Alsace, the cradle of noble wines in Europe.
A harmonious wine
In Moravia, a young Pinot Blanc (also called Rulandské bílé in Czech) stands out because of its light fruity background and balanced acidity. As it ages, it should develop the typical bready to creamy undertone. A harmonious wine is dominated by pleasant shades of grapes in harmony with fresh acidity.
Harmonious countryside with Pinot Blanc groves.
Moravian Pinot Blanc by Spevak Winery is a young dry wine with high acidity and a full body. Hints of crushed almond with a hint of spice create on the nose, tropical and stone fruit on the palate. All together creates a harmony of flavors backed up by fresh acidity which leads every sip into a lasting finish.
You don’t have to be a musician to enjoy Pinot Blanc, but Moravian White Pinot Blanc may turn you into one.
Na zdravi!
Technical data: 12% ABV, acidity 6.5 g/L, residual sugar 5.3 g/L
PS: If you want to discover more wine from the region of the Czech Republic, Paths Less Travelled can take you there and take you through the many corners of this magical place, many wineries, and wine cellars along the way. Czech them out!
