2018 Rosi Schuster Sankt Laurent
Region: Burgenland, Austria
Grape: Sankt Laurent
Culinary Suggestions: Cured meats or BBQ ribs
Vineyard Practice: Organic
About
In 1979, Rosi Schuster embarked on her wine journey in Burgenland, laying the foundation for her eponymous label. Fast forward to 2005, when her son Hannes stepped into the winemaking arena, and things took a compelling turn. Hannes, with his passion for organic farming, persuaded Rosi to embrace this eco-conscious path for their Sankt Laurent, Blaufränkisch, and Rotburger (Zweigelt) grapes. Together, they've become an unstoppable duo, crafting some of the most captivating red wines in the region, including the enigmatic Sankt Laurent, also known as Saint Laurent.
Now, let's address the mystery of Saint Laurent. Frankly, it's a grape with a shadowy past. Some say it might have Pinot Noir in its family tree, or at the very least, they're distant cousins. The one conjured by Hannes and Rosi unfolds as a delightfully earthy and mineral-driven experience, with a subtle touch of funk. As you bring it to your nose, dark cherries and earthiness beckon, hinting at a grand, rich wine – but that's not quite its style. Instead, it dances on the wild side, offering a light, tangy profile brimming with sour cherries, black plums, and a whisper of leather. All of this is framed by a salty, mineral-infused mouthfeel, making it a natural but silky sip. It's no wonder that Sankt Laurent might just be one of Pinot Noir's intriguing offspring.
Critic's Review
The 2018 Burgenland Sankt Laurent is clear, intense and spicy on the nose that is beautifully pure and fresh, with spicy concentration. On the palate, this is a juicy, round, fresh, charmingly sweet and slightly licoricey red with elegance and so much charm. It is made from grapes sourced between Donnerskirchen, Osslip, St Margarethen, Zagerdorf and Rust, fermented together (with 20% whole clusters) and aged in 500- to 2,000-liter vats.
92 points - Stephan Reinhardt, Wine Advocate June 2020
Drink: 2020 - 2030