Prague wine fair attracts thousands of visitors
Wine has been produced and enjoyed in the Czech lands for hundreds of years. Legend even has it that vineyards were first cultivated by Prince Borivoj as far back as the ninth century. Although the Czech Republic's proud vinicultural tradition suffered under communism, when mass production techniques severely compromised quality, Czech wine has been making something of a comeback since 1989.
The Czech Republic's main wine-growing region in Moravia is once again developing a reputation for the quality of the wines it can produce, particularly its white-wine varieties, which are suited to the country's northern climate.
Now with EU accession, it is hoped that the rest of Europe will become a burgeoning market for Czech wine exports. On the other hand, the abolition of import tariffs means that Czechs will also be able to enjoy cheaper foreign wines from established EU wine producers such as France and Italy.
Many wines from these countries have been presented at this week's international Wine and Spirits fair in Prague, which has attracted thousands of visitors. I asked some of them how they thought Czech wine stood up in comparison to foreign wines and how well they thought it would cope with the challenge of the EU's internal market:
"I like Czech wines, but we don't get a lot of sun here or have good conditions. We have some good wines, but they don't have as good a taste as sunny countries such as France or Italy."
Which is better, Czech or foreign wine?
"Well, the red wines from southern countries are better than Czech wines. But most of the year I prefer Czech wines because of the price, but I admire foreign wines".
Are you looking forward to having cheaper foreign wines now that you are part of the EU? "Yes, of course. Perhaps it will be one of the few conveniences we will enjoy [as a result of EU accession]."
"I hope that with our entry to the EU we will be able to export more Czech wine abroad, which is one advantage for our producers and exporters. On the other hand, for us as consumers, we hope that foreign wines will be cheaper here."
Some people have been telling me that they think Czech white wine is very good but that Czech red wine cannot compete with red wines from elsewhere. Would you agree with this?
"Yes I would. I basically prefer white wine, but still when one is talking about red wine, I think that wines from southern countries like France, Portugal, Latin America or Australia are better. I prefer them to Czech red wine. I don't drink too much Czech red wine."
Have been trying any wine while you have been here?
"Yes, someone offered me a lot of wine already, but it's all very good. It was all Portuguese wine, but it was very good."
How do you think Czech wine compares to Portuguese wine?
"They're different. There are very good wines in Moravia also. Czech wine is coming on very well. But I'm Portuguese, so I prefer that."
Even Portuguese white wine?
"OK, you've got me there. No, Moravian white wine is really good. It is just as good Portuguese white wine, perhaps even better."
Do you prefer Czech wine to foreign wine?
"As regards white wine, we prefer wines from the Czech or Moravian region, as that's what we're used to."
Now that EU membership is here, they say that foreign wines are becoming cheaper and that Czech wines will soon have to compete with these wines in terms of price as well as quality. Do you think they will be able to survive?
"The majority of Czech wines will not survive, and I think that's a good thing, as they are not comparable with the quality of Australian, French, Italian and Spanish wines. The disgusting quality of the majority of Czech wines is really awful. I think only the best wines will survive."
