The history of viticulture in Serbia dates back to ancient times, as findings prove that Greeks and Thracians cultivated wine here. Viticulture experienced its first heyday between the 12th and 14th centuries, but this was abruptly ended by Ottoman rule. Until the beginning of the 19th century, viticulture practically reached a standstill. After the Second World War, viticulture experienced a great revival, with up to 250,000 hectares under vines, making Serbia the most important wine-growing region in the former republic of Yugoslavia. However, primarily mass-produced wines were made, above all, the sweet red wine "Amselfelder", which today comes from Kosovo. Due to the secession or independence of the constituent states Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, Slovenia and later Montenegro and Kosovo, the area was reduced to about 55,000 hectares. The vineyards today are located far from the sea on the Bulgarian and Romanian borders and are spread over five regions. The climate here is continental, with warm, sometimes even hot, summers and cold winters. The rivers Danube, Morava and Timok moderate these severe climates. The international grape varieties, Welschriesling, Chardonnay and Riesling, dominate in the white wine sector, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot for the production of red wines. However, there are also noteworthy areas of Sauvignon Blanc, Blaufränkisch and Pinot Noir alongside the indigenous Prokupac.