St. Laurent is a traditional Austrian grape variety – and presumably was named for its early maturity around the Catholic calendar day of St. Laurence rather than for a French village. Nevertheless, genetic sequencing reveals a close relationship to Pinot Noir. Over the centuries, the mutation-prone variety has undergone a process of adaptation to our terroir and now shows more texture, color, tannins, and fruity flavors than its famous relative.

This St. Laurent grows on an amphibolite primary rock soil in the “Ried Ladner” vineyard. Although this is an elevated, cool vineyard, the early maturing grapes regularly achieve good ripeness of about 19° KMW. The advantage of the site is the fresh, wonderfully regulating breeze from the Austrian Forest Quarter throughout the year, which supports aroma development and keeps the grapes healthy and at relatively low sugar levels. They will always give elegant, complex and authentic wines.

Fermentation with about two weeks maceration immediately followed by malolactic fermentation. Eighteen months maturation in 300-2500 l oak casks lends the rather dry and austere character of young St Laurent rounded softness. The barrels are usually around 3 years old and the wine only slightly reflects its stay oak.

Alc.: 12,5 %

Tasting notes:

cherry red color with; spicy nose with red berry fruits; dry and refreshing taste of red and black berries, amarelle cherries, and fresh garden herbs; elegant tannins leading to a fresh & spicy finish.

Food pairing:

perfect companion to pasta and various meats such as roast turkey or pork, braised filet of lamb or young game, as well as all sorts of fruity cheeses, served a touch cooler than most of the reds it is a good match with starters as
Fresh cheeses, smoked fish, vegetables etc.