Palava is a grape variety of Czech breeding, developed in Moravia by the breeder Josef Weverka through the crossbreeding of Gewürztraminer (Rot Traminer) and Müller Thurgau varieties. This variety is characterized by medium vine growth vigor and medium ability to sucker. Palava leaves are round, five-lobed, with a large-veined upper side and felted down. Bunches are conical, dense, of medium size, weighing about 200 grams, and berries are small, round or slightly oval, grayish-pink in color with thick and tough skin. The flesh is juicy, with a slight aroma reminiscent of Gewürztraminer. The variety belongs to the medium ripening period, technical maturity occurs in mid-to-late September at a sum of active temperatures of 2650-2800 °C. Yield is stable and average compared to technical grape varieties, yet higher than that of the parent Gewürztraminer. Palava requires moist and fertile soils for optimal development. The vine ripens well, however, the variety has low disease resistance, especially to mildew and gray rot, and needs winter covering. Frost resistance is medium - the vine withstands a temperature drop to -22 °C without significant damage. Wine material from Palava is characterized by a balanced taste with higher acidity content compared to Gewürztraminer, which positively affects the wine structure. The wine is usually less spicy, with dominant vanilla notes and medium aging potential. Thanks to its characteristics, the variety is widely used for the production of fresh grapes with an aroma reminiscent of Traminer, as well as for the production of quality wines with a unique bouquet.
