Central Slovakia

Central Slovakia's vineyards occupy southern, southeastern and southwestern slopes, as well as plains. The climate is mild and dry, with fertile loamy and clay soils over volcanic ground. White grapes include Müller-Thurgau, Pinot Blanc, Welschriesling, Rhine Riesling, Chardonnay and Grüner Veltliner. Gewürztraminer and Maiden's Blush are grown in smaller amounts. The whites often have pronounced acidity, and some can age. Frankovka modrá and Saint Laurent are the principal named red grapes. Stredoslovenská is the protected designation of origin, covering seven wine-growing districts and 107 municipalities across 2,328 hectares. Near Sebechleby, Stará hora has more than 100 eighteenth- and nineteenth-century winegrowing huts protected as a Monument Reserve.