The St. Laurent grape is a historic and enchanting variety of wine grape that primarily exists in the vineyards of Central Europe. Named after St. Lawrence's Day, this grape holds a strong position in the viticulture of Austria, where it is cherished as the country's second most extensively cultivated red wine grape.
The St. Laurent grape has a rich and enduring history. Although its origin remains a debatable topic among viticulturists, its existence is traced back to the early 19th century. The best guess is that it’s a child or grandchild of Pinot Noir, so it shares many similar characteristics. Often referred to as the ‘Pinot Noir of the East’, it demonstrates an extraordinary ability to reflect its terroir and vintage meticulously, just like its speculated ancestor, marking it as a grape variety of distinguished quality.
Colourwise, wines produced from the St. Laurent grape exhibit a deep and luminous burgundy which intrigues even before the first sip. By nature, the wine is medium-bodied with a lower presence of tannins, but its aromatic profile is astonishingly diverse and distinctive. You'll find a delightful fusion of sweet cherry and tart blackberry flavours, enhanced with subtle hints of mocha, liquorice, spice and freshly para-cooked beetroot. These complexities render it a multifaceted wine, truly unique in its taste.
St. Laurent grape requires meticulous care and attention. Its early bud break makes it susceptible to frost damage and its thin skin requires careful handling during the winemaking process. Climate, soil, vineyard management, and winemaking techniques all impact the wine's expression, diversity, and hence, quality.
When perfectly honed, St. Laurent wines are absolute charms, adored for their elegance, delicacy, refreshing acidity and longevity. In order to savour the hidden nuances, many suggest allowing these wines to mature for a few years. St. Laurent wines also hold excellent food pairing capacities, harmonising particularly well with hearty dishes and roasted meats. In short, the St. Laurent grape is a hidden gem within the world of winemaking.
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