Fall is in the air, enchanting people in and around the Czech Republic with a seasonal sweet treat: burčák.
Burčák combines the best of both grape juice and wine. This alcoholic brew’s sweet taste makes it easy to drink, but its 6% alcohol content can make it deceptively strong.
If the flavor alone doesn’t entice consumers, its potential health benefits just might. “Czech people say that drinking burčák every day during fall will keep you healthy,” said burčák enthusiast, Maja Burdova.
The color and sound are important to distinguish good burčák. Unlike other wines, burčák should look cloudy but free of any brown or yeast sediment, according to Beyond Prague.
Proper burčák fizzes, indicating the ongoing fermentation process. Independent vendors can sometimes be deceptive, selling burčák made from apples as a cheaper substitute for grapes. Many people can’t tell the difference, says Radio Prague International.
Locals can be seen carrying 1.5-liter plastic bottles full of burčák, which are available for purchase at wine festivals or farmers markets. Wineries throughout the Czech republic also often carry burčák.
The best time to enjoy burčák is from late September to mid-October, so savor Czechia’s signature beverage while it’s still fruity and fizzy.
