Swedish wine

Swedish Wine: From Viking Land to Vineyard?

Sweden. When you think of it, images of Vikings, flat-pack furniture, and maybe a certain melancholy pop song come to mind, right? But wine? Probably not. Yet, believe it or not, Sweden is quietly making a name for itself in the wine world. It’s still a small operation, sure, but the industry is buzzing with activity, fueled by a warming climate, some seriously clever grape varieties, and a whole lot of passion.

A (Very) Short History Lesson

Let’s be honest, Sweden isn’t exactly Napa Valley when it comes to wine history. There’s some speculation about monks possibly dabbling in vineyards way back when, but the real story starts much later. For ages, growing grapes was more of a hobby, something you’d do in a greenhouse to get some nice table grapes. The idea of actually making wine on a commercial scale? That’s a relatively new thing, really taking off in the 90s, inspired by the Danes and some breakthroughs in growing grapes in chilly climates. Fun fact: Sweden officially became a “wine country” in 2010. And get this – before 1999, the EU actually forbade wine production in Sweden! Talk about a late start.

Climate Change: A Silver Lining?

Okay, climate change is a serious bummer, we all know that. But, in a strange twist, it’s actually helped Sweden’s wine scene. Southern Sweden has seen temperatures creep up by a couple of degrees over the last 30 years. Sounds small, but it’s made a big difference, adding about 20 days to the growing season. That extra time is gold when you’re trying to ripen grapes in a place that’s not exactly known for its sunshine.

Grape Expectations: The Secret Weapon

So, how do you make wine in Sweden? The answer lies in some seriously hardy grape varieties. The star of the show is Solaris, a white grape that’s known for being tough and producing wines with a lovely aromatic character. You’ll also find other cool-climate champions like Muscaris, Phönix, and Souvignier gris. And for the reds? Rondo is a popular choice, often used for both red and rosé wines. These grapes are often called PIWI grapes (it’s a German thing), which basically means they’re super resistant to fungal diseases. That’s a huge plus, because it means you don’t need to spray them with a ton of pesticides. But here’s where it gets interesting: some winemakers are even experimenting with classic grapes like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Chenin Blanc. Talk about ambitious!

Where the Magic Happens (and What It Tastes Like)

Most of Sweden’s vineyards – we’re talking around 200 of them – are clustered in the south, in a region called Skåne. The coast there has a slightly milder climate, with breezes that keep things from getting too crazy. You’ll also find vineyards popping up in places like Södermanland and on the island of Gotland.

What are these Swedish wines actually like? Well, the white wines, often made from Solaris, tend to be crisp and refreshing, with a zingy acidity and flavors of citrus and green apple. And the sparkling wines? They’re getting seriously good, made using the same methods as Champagne. But the winemakers aren’t stopping there – some are even experimenting with orange and red wines. The creativity is definitely flowing!

Bumps in the Road (and Reasons to be Optimistic)

It’s not all sunshine and grapes, though. Making wine in Sweden comes with its challenges. The weather can be a real pain, so you need to be clever about how you grow the grapes, making sure they get enough sun. And finding people with the right skills and scaling up production can be tricky.

Here’s another quirky challenge: Sweden has a state-run alcohol monopoly called Systembolaget. It’s a bit of a hurdle, because wineries can’t just sell their wines directly to people who visit. But, on the bright side, they can offer tastings and serve their wines in their own restaurants.

Despite these challenges, I’m genuinely excited about the future of Swedish wine. The climate is (slowly) getting more favorable, and the wines are already winning awards and turning heads internationally. With a bunch of passionate people at the helm and a willingness to try new things, Sweden is definitely a wine region to watch.

A Few Names to Drop

Want to impress your friends with your Swedish wine knowledge? Here are a few wineries to keep an eye on:

• Arilds Vineyard: The big daddy of Swedish vineyards, located on the scenic Kullaberg peninsula.
• Kullabergs Vingård: A pioneer known for its seriously good white wines.
• Thora Vineyard: Making organic wines, including some interesting Pinot Noir.
• Skepparps Vingård: If you’re into bubbles, this is the place to go.
• Ästad Vingård: One of the biggest, with organic wines, a spa, and a restaurant. Talk about a getaway!
• Blacksta Vineyard: The northernmost winery in Sweden!
• Vejby Vineyard: Check out their ancient Georgian-style wine cellar.
• Flyinge Vingård: Focused on making the most of the Solaris grape.
• Gute Vineyard: Capturing the unique flavors of Gotland.
• Långmyre Winery: Organic farming and those super-resistant PIWI grapes are their thing.

So, there you have it. Swedish wine: it’s not just a novelty, it’s a real thing, and it’s only getting better. Keep an eye on this underdog – you might be surprised at what they pull off next!