Swedish wine? Absolutely!

I was recently attending a Champaign tasting organized by SWEA (Swedish Women’s Educational Association) in Chicago. It was a great event and I found it so interesting to learn about this exclusive style of wine. And I even learned how to open a Champagne bottle using a saber! I succeeded on my first try, but I wouldn’t recommend it without a professional nearby! However, I also learned something else that I found fascinating: Sweden is actually a wine-producing country, although at an early stage. This made me want to learn more about Swedish wine, and in this blog, I will share what I found.

Sweden is of course not typically known for its wine culture, with other countries in Europe taking the spotlight for their long-standing winemaking traditions. However, in recent years, Sweden has started to make a name for itself in the wine industry with the production of unique and high-quality wines. The vineyards are mostly located in the southern parts of the country where the climate is milder and sunnier compared to the rest of the country. The vineyards are also situated in a unique microclimate that gives the grapes unique characteristics.

One of the most famous wine regions in Sweden is Skåne, where the majority of Swedish vineyards are located. Here, you can find vineyards such as Davids Lada, Södåkra Vingård, and Österlenvin. Skåne has a long history of wine production dating back to the Middle Ages, and today it has over 30 commercial vineyards in operation. The soil conditions in Skåne are excellent for winemaking, as it has an ideal combination of limestone, clay, and sand. This results in wines that are complex, with flavors that are unique to the region. Skåne is also not far from the sea, which makes it easier to grow certain grape varieties, such as Rondo and Solaris. There are several small-scale vineyards that produce exquisite wines in Österlen, a region in the southeast corner of Skåne. Examples of these vineyards include Kullabergs, Skepparps, and Lottenlund Estate.

Swedish wines differ considerably from traditional European wines as they are mainly made using hybrid grape varieties. This is because traditional grape varieties that are used in European wine production are simply not suited for Sweden's short growing season and colder climate. Swedish winemakers, therefore, had to come up with ways to use other types of grapes to address the problem. Some of the most popular grape varieties grown in Sweden include Solaris, Rondo, Ortega, and Regent. These grape varieties can withstand the short growing season found in Sweden and produce wines with exciting flavors and characteristics. Due to its unique microclimate and the types of grapes grown, Swedish wines have a flavor profile that closely resembles German wines. They are herbal, crisp, tart, lightly sweet, and floral, making them a refreshingly fruity type of drink to be enjoyed any time of the year.

Swedish wines come in a range of styles, including white, red, and rosé. They vary in flavor, delicacy, and tartness. Some of the best Swedish wines that are widely available and worth trying include "Silencis" and "In The Fields" from Winery Karelia. Other recommendations include "Cloudberry Wine" from the Lessebo vineyard and "Barock" from Davids Lada.

While Swedish wines may not be as popular as wines from more established wine regions like France, Italy, or Spain, they are slowly gaining recognition thanks to their unique flavors and quality production. Swedish vineyards are small-scale, family-run businesses that prioritize environmental protection as well as work to create high-quality products that the wine world can enjoy. Swedish wines are a testament to the skill and determination of the winemakers here, and they offer a unique taste profile that is definitely worth experiencing.

I hope you learned something new about Sweden in this blog! And if you are interested in learning more about Swedish culture and its language you can attend one of my classes or private lesson. Just sign up for a free trial or consultation below to get started today!