I bought the wine on the way from Brno together with the “Cuvée První Rytíř”, which I wrote about on September 8, 2025. Today, in hot weather, a well-chilled wine will help you survive the high temperatures.
Hibernal 2023, a selection of grapes, from the Zlomek and Vávra winery is one of the wines that show the potential of Moravian aromatic varieties today. Hibernal is a relatively young new variety, but in recent years it has built a strong position among lovers of fresh, aromatic white wines. In addition, the 2023 vintage shows very good grape maturity, purity of expression and varietal character without unnecessary ostentatiousness. The wine is semi-dry, while the fine residual sugar significantly supports its aromatic profile and overall harmony.
The Hibernal variety was created in Germany by crossing the Seibel and Riesling varieties. The breeding work was carried out with the aim of creating a vine that is more resistant to diseases while at the same time preserving the aromatic complexity typical of Riesling varieties. The name Hibernal refers to the Latin word “hibernus”, meaning winter, which is related to its good resistance to colder climates. That is why it does exceptionally well in the conditions of Moravia, where it is able to retain its distinct aromatics, fresh acidity and at the same time sufficient concentration.
As I wrote last time, the Zlomek and Vávra winery was founded in Boršice near Blatnice and is one of the respected family wineries in South Moravia, which was created by the union of two families and their long-standing relationship with viticulture. The philosophy of the winery is based on the emphasis on work in the vineyard, reduction of yields and the most accurate expression of a particular vintage. The wines of this production tend to be clean, technologically precise, but at the same time retain the character of the Moravian terroir. Interestingly, the wine industry has long been dedicated to less traditional aromatic varieties, which are significantly benefited by the conditions of South Moravia.
Here is the description of the wine:
The wine has a golden yellow color with subtle greenish reflections. In the glass it appears clean and lively, which corresponds well with the young vintage and the aromatic profile of the variety.
The intense aromatics typical of Hibernal dominate the aroma. Tones of white flower, acacia honey, citrus peel, gooseberries and overripe tropical fruit appear. With a longer opening, subtle muscat and herbal nuances are added, which give the wine another layer of complexity.
The taste is full, extractive and fresh at the same time. The higher residual sugar typical of semi-dry wines and the selection of grapes category is well balanced by the acid, so the wine does not seem heavy or oversweet. Citrus, apricot, yellow fruit and a subtle honey tone dominate. The finish is longer, aromatic and very clean. It is in this version that Hibernal fully shows why it is one of the most interesting modern white varieties of Central Europe.
The alcohol content is 13.5%, which gives the wine a fuller body and a more pronounced structure, but without a sense of alcohol in the aroma or aftertaste.
The ideal serving temperature is between 9 and 11 °C. At a lower temperature, the freshness and citrus character stand out more, while at a slight warming, the aromatics and fuller body of the wine.
The wine goes very well with Asian cuisine, more pronounced blue cheeses, foie gras, or poultry with fruit sauces. It also creates an interesting combination with slightly spicy dishes, where the aromatics of Hibernal can balance the spiciness of the dish. Thanks to its semi-dry character, it also works as a partner to selected fruit-based desserts.
Hibernal 2023, a grape selection, won a silver medal at the Grand Prix Vinex 2024 and a silver medal at the Lednice Wine Markets 2024 competition, which confirms the very good handling of the vintage and also speaks of the stable quality of the Zlomek and Vávra winery, which regularly scores points at domestic and international wine competitions.
Hibernal 2023, a grape selection, is a demonstration of modern Moravian aromatics without unnecessary exaggeration. The wine offers a very good balance between sweetness, acidity and varietal expression. I especially appreciate the purity of the processing, the intense aroma and the ability to maintain freshness even with higher alcohol and fuller body. The silver medals from the Grand Prix Vinex 2024 and the Lednice Wine Markets 2024 also confirm that this is not only an attractive aromatic wine, but also a well-managed Moravian Hibernal with very good form even at a young age.
#tipnavino #moravskevino #zlomekavavra #hibernal
