Description
The Zatecký Chmel PDO are hops belonging to the following varieties: Lucan, Blato, Osvald clone 31, Osvald clone 72, and Osvald clone 114, Sirem, Zlatan, Podlesák and Blsanka.
Production Area
The production area of Zatecký Chmel PDO is found in Zatecká chmelarská oblast (Saaz hop growing region) a territory located in the Central Bohemian Region, Ústí nad Labem Region and Plzen Region. Zatec is located at the centre of this area.
Production Method
Hops are vigorous plants with a life cycle of 21 years. Only female plants are grown for production purposes in a hop garden. The presence of male plants is undesirable in terms of its effects on the quality of the hops. Cutting and wiring operations start in April, followed by training, weeding and the application of chemical protection. To maintain the hop garden, a structure 7 m high made of wooden or concrete hop poles and steel ropes is used. During the growth period plants are treated on several occasions in order to control pests and diseases. The hops are harvested in the second half of August and early September. The production process is concluded when hops are processed into pressed hops (pellets).
Appearance and Flavour
The Zatecký Chmel PDO has elongated ovoid cones with fine, regular strobiles of 12-16 mm length; 100 cones weigh 13-17 gr. Its delicate hop aroma and the golden colour of the lupulin and the red colour of the bine characterize the product.
History
The history of Zatecký Chmel PDO cultivation dates back to ancient times. Hops have been grown in the geographical area of reference for more than 1.000 years. During this period, cultivation and production have strengthened. The first document which refers to hop growing dates back to the 8th century.
Gastronomy
The Zatecký Chmel PDO as fine aroma hops are essential components for the beer industry and especially for brewing premium type of beers with pleasant taste and bitterness. The hops must be kept in a dry place away from direct sunlight.
Marketing
The product is sold as Zatecký Chmel PDO. It is marketed as pressed cone hops or mostly as hop pellets packaged in alluminium bags filled with inert gas and they are stored in cardboard boxes with the symbol complying with the law.
Distinctive Features
Environmental conditions of the Zatecký Chmel PDO production area are particularly favourable for hop growing. Hills and mountains that form a type of barrier against rain in fact protect the geographical area. Therefore, annual rainfall does not exceed 450 mm. These conditions, together with a territory characterized by great open valleys where air circulates freely and at the same time protected from strong winds blowing from the west and north, contribute to the high quality properties of the product.
