Observed as an Austrian speciality, wines of the St. Laurent grape hail from uncertain origins with parentage linked to Burgundy’s Pinot Noir grape. St. Laurent grapes are named for patron saint of the poor, St. Lawrence of Rome, whose feast day on August 10th coincides with the ripening of St. Laurent grapes. Familie Reinisch has been a leader in the cultivation and crafting of St. Laurent for four generations. This everyday expression of the variety impresses with a bouquet reminding us of forest fruits, sour cherries and marzipan. In Austria, this variety is usually paired with roasted meats and game birds, however, we find that it is a versatile partner with everything from babganoush to dim sum.
The grapes for this wine are selected from the oldest St. Laurent vines in the estate’s 15-hectare “Frauenfeld” vineyard, considered by Reinisch to have the best soils for extracting the potential of this finicky variety.