Saint Laurent

Also known as: Pinot St. Laurent, St. Laurent, Svatovavřinecké (Czech Republic)

A grape variety that has established itself from Burgundy to Burgenland, yet is understood differently in both regions. Sankt Laurent shares genetic kinship with Pinot Noir, without adopting its nervousness – the wines have structure, but less transparency, often with greater fruit density instead. In Austria, this manifests in concentrated, deeply coloured red wines that combine cherry aromas with earthy notes.

At Heinrich and Meinklang in Burgenland, Sankt Laurent wines emerge with pronounced minerality, whilst Loimer in Kamptal and Johannes Zillinger in Weinviertel vinify cooler, more precise interpretations. The grape demands mature soils and skilled hands – when unripe it appears bitter, when overripe it loses definition.