The Znojmo wine-growing sub-region introduced the first appellation system in the Czech Republic – VOC Znojmo. VOC stands for vína originální certifikace, wines of original certification. By taking this step, the Czech Republic followed successful marketing systems practicing controlled origin marketing. Znojmo can now make use of its market opportunities as the first holder of the VOC Znojmo trademark.
VOC Znojmo was the first in the Czech Republic to add a Latin marking system to the current German system of marking wine. Both methods now exist independently of each other and provide wine-lovers with more information when making decisions on buying wine.
VOC marking provides the consumer with clearly legible information. The most important thing is the ribbon around the neck, according to which every bottle is identified.
When the VOC Znojmo association presented the Royal Order of Wines in 2013, it was the first in the Czech Republic with its own special order.
With the VOC Znojmo initiative, the Czech Republic joined the group of large wine-producing countries that use similar systems – France (AOC), Italy (DOC), Austria (DAC) and Spain (DO).
Colour - light yellow, greenish tones
Nose - peaches, blackcurrant, gooseberries, mineral
Taste - peaches, blackcurrant, gooseberries, mineral
Colour - light gold, greenish tones
Nose - honey, lime blossom, mineral
Taste - honey, lime, orange, mineral
Colour - light yellow, green-and-yellow
Nose - with a hint of nutmeg or almond tones
Taste - fresh, earthy, peppery, mineral
The Znojmo District can boast a rich wine-making tradition; archaeological finds prove that the ancient Romans started cultivating grape vines in the Dyje River valley. On an old trade route above the Šobes vineyard, for example, you can still see the ruts made by heavy Roman wagons in the rocky terrain.
VOC marking provides the consumer with clearly legible information. The most important thing is the ribbon around the neck, according to which every bottle is identified.
The term terroir is frequently used by wine-makers and it is sought out more and more by customers. The philosophy of placing an emphasis on the terroir refers to the uniqueness of a specific vineyard and its exceptional position, which goes hand in hand with the originality of wines.
One of the reasons wines with an original taste and well-known diversity are born in the Znojmo District is the wide range of high-quality white varieties, which place them among the best white wines in the world. By correctly selecting the variety, wine-makers markedly influence the potential of the terroir; it is really like a diamond that you can polish to unheard-of beauty.
Znojmo is not only a town of wine, but also one of the oldest towns in Central Europe. It lies on the border between Moravia and Austria in a land of wine, cucumbers and apricots, all artistic styles, with a lookout tower on the townhall and an accessible labyrinth of underground corridors, the largest in the Czech Republic.
Newly-certified VOC Znojmo wines enter the market every year at the beginning of May, as a part of the VOC Znojmo Wine Festival.
Every year in the middle of September, the Znojmo District celebrates its Medieval wine-making tradition at the Znojmo Grape Harvest Festival.
Highlights of Znojmo and neighbouring villages, views of the vineyards, wine tastings – and lots more.
Wine-makers only nominate wines that meet strict conditions for the VOC Znojmo system. According to these rules, the tasting commission selects the most typical Sauvignon, Riesling and Grüner Veltliner wines and their cuvées.
