from Starý Plzenec
The beginnings of beverage production in Starý Plzenec date back to the 19th century, specifically to the year 1871. At that time, it was beer that was being produced, and the local brewery operated — with some interruptions — for about 60 years. For a while, its cellars lay unused, but in 1942 they found a new purpose when they were acquired by the company Českomoravské sklepy šumivých vín (Czech-Moravian Cellars of Sparkling Wines). Wine was brought in, and the first bottle of sparkling wine was produced — maturing fully in 1945, exactly 80 years ago.
80 years ago, the first bottle of Starý Plzenec sparkling wine was opened
The first sparkling wine produced in the cellars of Starý Plzenec was named Black Widow, after the American aircraft of the same name. It was a red sparkling wine, and according to local accounts, its production was deliberately delayed by employees to prevent it from falling into German hands. As a result, the first bottles were opened by American soldiers when they liberated Starý Plzenec in May 1945. They reportedly bought and shared 37,000 bottles with the locals from the winery. This year, in honor of the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Plzeň and Starý Plzenec by the U.S. Army, a special limited-edition Bohemia Sekt Black Widow was produced, with 3,300 bottles released.
That same year also saw the creation of a sparkling wine made using the traditional method from white grape varieties — Chateau Radyně, named after the castle ruin towering above Starý Plzenec. Chateau Radyně has been in continuous production ever since, making it the oldest continuously produced sparkling wine in the Czech Republic.
LOUIS GIRARDOT
A key figure in the history of sparkling wines from Starý Plzenec was the French oenologist Louis Girardot. This charming Frenchman, who had previously worked for Moët Chandon, came to Starý Plzenec in the late 1940s and left a lasting mark. He introduced local cellar masters to traditional French production techniques and even brought with him the yeast strains he had used in France. The elegant gentleman and his savoir vivre were fondly remembered by many of the women of Starý Plzenec for years to come. Today, a vintage premium sparkling wine named Louis Girardot is produced in his honor using the traditional method. It was even served to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II during her visit to the Czech Republic.
THE BIRTH OF A LEGEND
Another milestone in the story of winemaking in Starý Plzenec came in 1970, when the first Bohemia Sekt demi sec was produced — the brand’s flagship and, for many years, the most popular sparkling wine among Czech consumers. At the time, the bottling line had a daily capacity of 8,000 bottles — an amount that today’s line can handle in just one hour. More than fifty years later, this sparkling wine remains the best-selling in the Czech Republic.
CELEBRATING THE NEW MILLENNIUM AND BOHEMIA SEKT 2000
At the turn of the millennium, a new sparkling wine named Bohemia Sekt 2000 brut was ceremoniously introduced to the market. Released as a limited edition, it was created specifically to celebrate the arrival of the new millennium. Its official launch took place at the Municipal House in the autumn of 1998, allowing sufficient time to bring the product to market and ensure wide availability by the end of 1999.
The cuvée for this sparkling wine, made using the traditional method of bottle fermentation, was composed of Rhine Riesling, Welschriesling, and Pinot Blanc. It was positioned as a prestigious product not only for gastronomy but also for retail consumers. Throughout the year, it quickly gained popularity thanks to its taste, quality, and distinctive design.
BOHEMIA SEKT PRESTIGE
Due to the great success of this limited edition, the wine was added to the permanent portfolio and renamed Bohemia Sekt Prestige.
The journey of Bohemia Sekt Prestige begins in the vineyards of South Moravia. Time plays a crucial role here: the grapes are left to ripen exactly as needed — not too early, so they reach the right level of maturity, and not too late, so they retain their fresh acidity.
The motto of this premium line is: “There’s no rush with Prestige.” Good things take time — but exceptional ones require even more. That’s why these sparkling wines age in bottles for at least 12 months, and in some cases, even more than 3 years. This extended maturation gives the wines a pleasant bouquet and fine bubbles that enhance their flavor profile.
Currently, the Prestige line includes five variants and continues to earn recognition both in domestic and international competitions. Most recently, it impressed audiences in Japan, where it won the “Diamond Trophy” at the Sakura Awards. Last year, it also collected gold medals at prestigious competitions such as the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles and Mundus Vini. Prestige sparkling wines regularly receive gold medals at the most prestigious Czech wine competition — the Salon vín of the Czech Republic.
The world is constantly changing, but the reasons to open a chilled bottle of bubbles remain the same — to celebrate time spent with friends and family, and to enjoy joyful, meaningful moments with those closest to us. Sparkling wines from Starý Plzenec have been part of those moments for more than 80 years.
Cheers!
