Heinrich, St. Laurent 2006

St. Laurent, or as the Croatians call it, Lovrijenac (black) is a variety from the Pinot Noir family. Although it originally draws its roots from France, it founds its second and real home in Austria, so many people consider it an authentic Austrian variety. In most of wine sub-regions of central Croatia, Lovrijenac is on the list of recommended varieties, but according to our findings, there are no wines worthy of mention on the market with at least a small portion of this variety. Perhaps one of the reasons for this lies in the fact that this variety, like its far more famous cousin Pinot Noir, is very unpredictable and demanding for cultivation. On the other hand, the wines made with this variety adorn some of the highest regarded features of top quality Pinot Noirs, like simultaneous elegance and pronounced fruitiness.
The finest examples of this variety (although most often in blends, out of which the most interesting is Pannobile, produced by the members of the association of the same name) come from the eastern Austrian region of Burgenland, from the wine region of Neusiedlersee. This region is located between the Hungarian border and Neusiedler Lake, whose proximity is of priceless importance for the grapevine cultivation. The vineyards and Heinrich winery are also there.
The ruby red hue is rather deep, while the intensive aromas (the link with Pinot Noir aromas is evident) come out of the glass even before you twirl it. It is very aromatic, with tangling primary aromas of dark berry forest fruits, and mild aromas of sweet spices as a consequence of aging in wood. In the background you will notice the herbal and graphite aromas that only stress and round the layers of aromas.
The medium body, gentle and silky tannins (another Pinot Noir characteristic), the dominant fruit aromas and mild peppery aroma are simply thrilling. The freshness runs through the entire sip, making it excellent for pairing with food. The solidly lingering aftertaste is mostly characterized by spices and gentle fruits. The wine is unbelievably clear and well balanced – simply put, this is a wine without a single flaw. Some might complain about high acidity, but you should have in mind that this is a classic Burgenland red wine of a middle class with all its features (which the slightly higher acidity definitely is, because it gives the wine the required smoothness). At the same time, thanks to the almost perfectly dosed and relatively gentle effect of wood (the structure of this variety would not stand a stronger influence) mixed with fruit flavors, the wine preserved its softness and a dose of airiness.
The wine is ready for consumption. In proper storing conditions, it will easily live a few more years.
This wine can be purchased in Vivat Fina vina wine boutique.
Best paired with: pheasant pate, pasta with salmon and basil, grilled tuna, baby beef a la wild.
Serving temperature: 15 to 17ºC
Price: HRK 128.25
Source: Gastro.hr