Cloudy, sweet, still-fermenting grape must, drunk cold through the Czech autumn. The law allows it to be sold only between August and November and only from grapes grown in the country, and Moravian wine festivals revolve around it.
It is an alcoholic product whose sale is regulated by season and origin under Czech law, and it comes from a press house rather than a kitchen.
What goes into it
- partly fermented grape must
- nothing else
How it is made
Freshly pressed must is left to begin fermenting and is sold while it is still working — somewhere between juice and wine, cloudy with yeast and only a few per cent alcohol. It cannot be stopped or stabilised, which is why it must be sold and drunk within days and why bottles are never sealed tight.
How long it takes: days; it keeps fermenting in the bottle
How it is eaten
Cold from a plastic cup at an autumn wine festival, with roast goose or fresh bread.
History
Czech law allows it to be sold only from August to November and only from grapes grown in the country; Moravian wine festivals revolve around it.
Frequently asked questions
What is Burčák?
Burčák is a wine & spirit from Czechia: cloudy, sweet, still-fermenting grape must drunk cold in autumn. Czech law allows it to be sold only from August to November and only from grapes grown in the country; Moravian wine festivals revolve around it.
How is Burčák made?
Freshly pressed must is left to begin fermenting and is sold while it is still working — somewhere between juice and wine, cloudy with yeast and only a few per cent alcohol. It cannot be stopped or stabilised, which is why it must be sold and drunk within days and why bottles are never sealed tight. It takes days; it keeps fermenting in the bottle.
Can I make Burčák at home?
No, and the atlas gives no method for it. It is an alcoholic product whose sale is regulated by season and origin under Czech law, and it comes from a press house rather than a kitchen.
What goes into Burčák?
Partly fermented grape must, nothing else.
How is Burčák eaten?
Cold from a plastic cup at an autumn wine festival, with roast goose or fresh bread.
