Many regions are identified by one or a few specific grape varieties. Burgundy brings thoughts of elegant pinot noirs and classic chardonnays. Marlborough makes your mouth water thinking about its refreshing sauvignon blancs. And what would Austria be without its Grüner Veltliner? While the wine region of Moravia in the Czech Republic doesn’t yet have international recognition for a specific variety, there is one candidate we think will start to change that. Pálava!

The white grape variety Pálava is not only a familiar favorite among Czech wine drinkers but also a growing favorite abroad due to its unique qualities. The variety was named after the extensive system of limestone rocks in Moravia where its demanding breeding took place. With its highest point of elevation being 554 meters above sea level, these hillsides are where the variety was born and its name given.

In 1953 Czech winemaker Josef Veverka took on the task of breeding this variety of grape. The first order of business was finding the right two grape varieties to breed together. This became a difficult task due to the criteria of the Pálava breed. The grape needed to have a high resistance to diseases and pests in the cold wine-growing climate with high regular yields while also having strong flavors and aromas. No pressure.

The variety of Traminer was the first grape he decided would be used to make the Pálava variety. Eventually, he decided on breeding Traminer with Müller-Thurgau to make the perfect Pálava. After 24 years of demanding work and strict suitability tests, the newly bred Pálava variety was registered in 1977. It has become one of the most planted varieties in Moravia in the past 5 years.

We love Pálava for its versatility and distinct taste and aroma. This white grape combines notes of spice, flowers, and fruit to deliver wines across the range of bone dry to dessert sweet. Its natural acidity paired with the cool growing climate delivers pleasant acidity in its wines that not only provides balance but also makes them incredibly food-friendly.

Volařík vineyards along the Pálava hillside

Pálava is becoming a notable favorite of Volařík Winery as well as many international wine judges. It is the second most planted variety of grapes at Volařík right after their classic Welschriesling. In 2020, a dry Pálava from Volařík won for the best dry white wine at the Vinalies Internationales Paris competition. They also produce off-dry, semi-dry, and naturally sweet versions of Pálava. Planting the grape in six distinct vineyards allows them to harvest separately and retain the charm of each terroir in the grape, providing this diversity to produce a wide range of wines from the grape.

Maybe we’re lazy, but we just love food-friendly wines that are easy to pair. With its versatile flavors and aromas, Pálava goes nicely with a wide range of foods. Need something for your pate and cheese plate? Have a Pálava. Feeling like some spicy Pad Thai or Schezuan? Pour a glass of Pálava. Stir frys, poultry, or a goat cheese salad? Pálava. Pálava. Pálava. And it’s a special experience to bring a fresh cinnamon-forward apple strudel and a naturally sweet Pálava together. [cue choir singing ‘Amen’]

We are thrilled to have Pálava as part of our Ahtel Wines selections! While we don’t (yet) carry a variety of Pálavas, the one we’ve selected we feel represents the grape and its terroir extremely well. This Volařík Pálava is an off-dry version, which many of you know, is not our typical selection (we’re dry wine drinkers around here). But this wine is so incredibly balanced and flavorful we don’t mind the slightly higher residual sugar. For details, check out the wine specs here. Or better yet, pick one up and try it tonight with dinner!

Na zdravi! Cheers!

What You’ve Been Missing on Your Wine List - Pálava