St Laurent 2020

St Laurent – Pinot’s Spirited Cousin. A rare Austrian gem with a Marlborough soul. This dark, spicy red shows vibrant cherry fruit, fine tannins, and a lively acidity, all at a modest alcohol level. Elegant, complex, and refreshingly different, our handcrafted St Laurent is a true alternative to Pinot Noir. St Laurent naturally ripens at around 22.5° Brix, delivering full flavour and ripe tannins with modest alcohol. Cherished by connoisseurs. Vintage 2020 Handpicked at the onset of April following a flawless summer. The finicky grape variety is a parent to Zweigelt along with Blaufränkisch. Close-planted at 8,000 plants per hectare, each vine yields just 600g of grapes, resulting in exceptionally sweet and succulent fruit. Hans' Winemaking Comments After destemming, the grapes were subjected to a cold soak, extracting the remarkable properties from their flawless skins. Letting the temperature gently rise, a natural wild (indigenous yeast) fermentation commenced, prolonged and kept cool to preserve delicate flavours. Following fermentation, the must was gently pressed and transferred into two French Barriques, facilitating a gradual progression into natural malolactic fermentation. Aged for 18 months and further enriched by an additional two years of bottle aging, the wine retains its natural essence - no fining, no filtration, just pure, unadulterated goodness. Tasting Notes The wine exudes a symphony of aromas, with sweet dark cherries, luscious boysenberries, and enticing warm spices inviting you in. A sturdy backbone of ripe tannins and balanced acidity promises a graceful evolution over time. Its mouth-filling presence and velvety textures lead to a lingering, elegant finish that leaves a lasting impression. Technical Data Variety 100% St. Laurent Rootstock RG Vine Planted 2008 / 12 years Soil Shallow (<45 cm), comprised of stony alluvium, ensuring excellent drainage. Notably diverse, each row exhibits varying soil compositions, with sand and gravel interspersed with clay-sand layers, contributing to the unique terroir of the vineyard. Planting Density 8,000 vines/ha Yield 1.5t/ha Alcohol 13% Residual Sugar <1 g/l Ageing Potential 15 years Small batch of 520 bottles Food Matching Suggestions Indulge in the richness and allure of this wine, perfect for a variety of dishes. Its delightful depth pairs beautifully with bold flavours, ideal companions include wild game, roast duck, savory mushroom risotto, and an assortment of cured meats.