Slovakia

**Slovakia** is a landlocked Central European country whose vineyards, tucked mostly into its warmer southern belt, turn out predominantly crisp white wines and a growing volume of characterful reds. Long overshadowed by neighbouring Austria and Hungary, it is quietly building a reputation among curious drinkers. **Signature wines** — Aromatic, dry-to-off-dry whites lead the way, especially Grüner Veltliner, Welschriesling (locally Rizling vlašský), Riesling and Pinot Blanc. Among reds, the Blaufränkisch grape (Frankovka modrá) and St. Laurent (Svätovavrinecké) give juicy, spicy bottles. **Key regions** — Six official wine regions run across the south, the best known being the Malokarpatská (Small Carpathians) belt near Bratislava, plus Nitra, Southern Slovakia, Central Slovakia and Eastern Slovakia. A small slice of the famous Tokaj sweet-wine zone also lies on the Slovak side of the border with Hungary. **Good to know** — For much of the 20th century Slovakia was part of Czechoslovakia, and its modern wine industry has been reshaped since independence in 1993 and EU membership. Its Tokaj wines follow rules closely aligned with the shared Hungarian appellation.

Wines

• Doma — Naboso
• Labyrint III. — Naboso
• Zore — Naboso