A pleasing performance

The Femmes et Vins du Monde (Women and Wines of the World) international wine competition has one particularity: It is judged only by women. This year marked the fourth installment of this contest, which always takes place in one of the leading hotels of the Monegasque capital, such as the famous Hotel de Paris. After passing judgment over the wines, invited jurors have the opportunity to visit wine producers in Provence and sample some refined cuisine by world-famous chefs from Monaco and neighboring France and Italy.

This year, there were 40 judges from across the globe, representing five different professional groups: oenologists, who act as presidents of individual juries, wine producers, public relations representatives, wine writers and the so-called great wine-loving public. The internationally accepted 100-point system is used, which falls under the strict observation of the international governing body, the Organisation Internationale de la Vigne et du Vin.

Two hundred fifty samples of wine and spirits came from 18 countries, including France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Bulgaria, Denmark, the Netherlands, Great Britain and the Czech Republic. I am happy to report the Czech Republic came in third, after France and Spain, regarding the number of medals awarded, thanks to the achievements of the two participating wine producers from this country: Znovín Znojmo and Radomil Baloun of Velké Pavlovice.

Radomil Baloun is no newcomer to this contest, coming away with a gold medal and a handful of silver medals for the fourth year running. This time, the gold medal was awarded for his Dornfelder 2009, while other reds, Merlot and Alibernet, picked up silvers, as did Riesling, Pinot Blanc and Aurelius among the whites. 

The Znovín Znojmo winery entered the contest for the first time and received two silver medals for their Chenin Blanc and a wonderful Pinot Noir. Znovín stands among the most respected of the long-established Moravian wineries, contributing about 3.5 percent of all the wine consumed in the Czech Republic. The company has long led the way in innovative marketing, support of the arts and in the field of wine tourism. 

All this was achieved in the face of stiff competition from such glamorous-sounding names as Bonnes Mares grand cru from Domaine Fougeray de Beauclair and Vosne Romanée from renowned Burgundian winemaker Anne Gros, classy Sancerres from Joseph Mellot of the Loire valley and a host of top growths entries from Bordeaux and Rioja. It was another phenomenal success for Czech wine producers competing on the international scene and, what is more, in a French-speaking country. For more, visit Femmesetvinsdumonde.com.

Winery of the month: Vinařství Ludvík Maděřič, Moravský Žižkov

Ludvík Maděřič started making wine in 1993 in his native village near Velké Bílovice. Since then, he has slowly but surely expanded his range. Currently, he has 30 hectares of vineyards, including tracts on the renowned sites of Prechov and Slovenské, with the very recent addition of Obory, all of which lie in the same locality. 

Annual production currently stands at around half a million liters. Grapes are processed in an air-conditioned hall beneath which older vintages are housed in the archive cellar. Maděřič works with a comprehensive range of 22 grape varieties, which are bottled under a total of 54 different labels, including a very interesting refreshing sparkling wine in a limited edition of 2,000 bottles. He has also recently acquired the local pub At the Crossroads, which will be converted into a modern hotel with 14 rooms and vinotéka that should be open for business by Christmas. 

All Maděřič wines are widely available throughout the country.  For more, visit Vinarstvimaderic.cz.

Wines of the month

White: "Miradas" Vermentino di Gallura DOCG, 2007

Producer: Murales - Olbia, Sardinia, Italy

A wonderful Sardinian white that will bring back memories from holidays spent on the Emerald Coast of this beautiful island. It displays a deep straw hue, and its heady and richly perfumed nose is evocative of exotic flowers, ripe white peaches, guava and pineapple, all continuing on to the full and harmonious palate. We are very lucky, for this unusual wine is available at the compact and very popular Ichnusa Botega & Bistro in Prague's Újezd. Ichnusa.cz (456 Kč)

Red: Cabernet Sauvignon

Producer: Ludvík Maděřič, Moravský Žižkov, Velké Pavlovice subregion, Moravia

Deep purple in color, with a forward fruity nose of blackberries and other forest fruits laced with spice. The rich taste lingers on, ending on a peppery note with a hint of truffles that goes perfectly with the current abundant season of mushrooms. With this sample Ludvík Madeřič is going to compete in the upcoming Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot competition in Bergamo. He could well come back with a medal. (250 Kč)

Events diary 

The Historic Znojmo Vinobraní (wine harvest festival), one of the most important events on the vinous calendar, takes place Sept. 10-11 in and around the town of Znojmo, south Moravia. There will be cultural events, costumed parades and re-enactments, along with musical endeavours, while the winery Znovín Znojmo will take an active role with a series of tutored tastings, competitions and burčák sales.  For more, visit Znojmocity.cz.

Helena Baker can be reached at
features@praguepost.com