A celebrated 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. 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 “Holzspur” vineyard site in Tattendorf is home to Familie Reinisch’s oldest St. Laurent vines, planted in 1975. Bottled only in exceptional vintages, this wine shows the true potential of this challenging variety.