The high-quality St. Laurent variety stands proudly among Austria’s most fascinating red grapes.
A member of the esteemed Pinot family, its synonym, Pinot St. Laurent, hints at its close genetic link to Pinot Noir — most likely a seedling variation. Over the last decades, fueled by a stronger focus on quality-driven winemaking, St. Laurent has enjoyed a remarkable revival across Austria's wine regions.
Originating most likely from Niederösterreich, this red grape has deep roots in Austrian viticulture. Today, 587.75 hectares are planted with St. Laurent, representing about 1.3% of Austria’s total vineyard area. The grape thrives particularly in:
- Burgenland: 286 ha (48.73%)
- Niederösterreich: 286 ha (48.62%)
- Steiermark: 10 ha (1.65%)
- Wien: 5 ha (0.91%)
- Other regions: 0.6 ha (0.10%)
The name "St. Laurent" is closely tied to the cycle of nature: on St. Lawrence’s Day (August 10th), the grapes begin their beautiful transformation, changing color as veraison sets in.
Wine Tasting
Wines crafted from St. Laurent are celebrated for their dark, dense, and fruity character, with vivid aromas of morello cherry and often an elegant, spicy undertone. Thanks to their fine structure and balanced acidity, these wines not only impress in their youth but also age gracefully, developing further complexity over time.
It presents a deep ruby-red hue with lively violet highlights, reflecting its youthful vibrancy. On the nose, it unfolds rich, fruit-driven aromas of dark stone fruits, led by cherries and sour cherries, promising elegance and depth. The palate mirrors this fruit-forward style, offering juicy, dark cherry flavors with delicate hints reminiscent of fine Pinot Noir. With minimal oak influence, the wine remains fresh, supple, and finely structured. The finish is smooth, persistent, and elegantly balanced, leaving a lasting impression of purity and finesse.
In the glass, this wine shines with an intense ruby garnet color, highlighted by violet reflections and a bright, widening rim. The nose is elegant and inviting, blending blackcurrant and sweet cherry aromas with delicate tobacco notes and a hint of cardamom spice. On the palate, it is medium-bodied, offering a refined balance of fruit and spice, with smooth vanilla touches that lead into a fresh, elegant finish of wild strawberries.
Conclusion
Today, St. Laurent stands as a testament to Austria’s commitment to rediscovering native varieties and crafting wines of character and distinction. Whether you are new to Austrian reds or an experienced wine lover, St. Laurent offers a deeply rewarding tasting experience — one that beautifully reflects Austria’s terroir and winemaking heritage.