The high quality St. Laurent variety belongs to the Pinot family, and the synonym Pinot St. Laurent suggests a pinot seedling. In the course of a more quality orientated thinking in recent years, the variety has experienced a revival in all wine-producing regions.
Origin
probably Niederösterreich, Austria
Parentage
Natural Burgunder seedling
Vineyard area
732 ha, 1.6 %
Origin: Growth nurtured by Stift Klosterneuburg.
Parentage: St. Laurent was named after St. Lawrence Day - August 10th – the day when the grapes begin to change colour.
Vineyard area: This autochthone variety is found mainly in the Thermenregion and in northern Burgenland. Its growth increased by 87.5% between 1999 and 2009.
Important ampelographic features:
Leaf: medium-sized; five-lobed, wavy
Grape cluster: medium-sized; compact berries; cylindrical, with wings; oval grapes with a blueish-black colour
Ripening time: mid-early season
Significance, conditions: With its somewhat low yield, the variety is considered difficult in the vineyard. It was not always appreciated. Needs good sites with deep soils. It is sensitive during the flowering period, and sensitive to late frost. It brings inconsistent yields.
Wine: St. Laurent delivers dark, sturdy and fruity red wines with morello cherry notes. They are of high quality and have good ageability.