Overview
The Mělník wine sub-region is the larger of Bohemia's two wine areas, covering vineyards around the town of Mělník at the confluence of the Elbe and Vltava rivers, as well as sites near Prague, Kutná Hora, and Kralupy nad Vltavou. Bohemia represents only about four percent of the Czech Republic's vineyards, but its history is significant.
According to tradition, Charles IV brought Pinot Noir cuttings from Burgundy to Mělník in the 14th century. Today the region produces both white and red wines, with Pinot Noir, Riesling, Müller-Thurgau, and Grüner Veltliner among the leading varieties. The calcareous subsoils and warm, lighter soils suit both colors.
Key Varietals
- Pinot NoirA delicate, earthy red with historical ties to Burgundian plantings.
- RieslingA high-acid white with citrus and mineral notes from the river valley sites.
- Müller-ThurgauA floral, fruity white widely planted in Bohemia's cool climate.
- Grüner VeltlinerA fresh, peppery white that handles Bohemia's short growing season.
Region snapshot
Climate
Cool continental at the northern edge of viticulture
Rainfall
500-600mm annually
Soil Types
Calcareous subsoils with gravel-sand alluvium