Weingut Prieler St. Laurent, Burgenland, Austria

From the rolling slopes of Schützen am Gebirge in Austria’s Burgenland region comes the 2021 Weingut Prieler St. Laurent, a patient, expressive wine that captures the capricious elegance of this noble red variety. Grown in loam-rich soils at the base of the Leithagebirge, the fruit is harvested by hand and fermented with whole berries, then aged for 26 months in traditional large oak barrels. St. Laurent is notoriously temperamental in both vineyard and cellar, but in the hands of the Prieler family, it becomes a wine of structure and soul: ruby-hued, finely spiced, and gracefully lifted by alpine breezes.

Product Details:

• Variety: St. Laurent
• Soil Type: Leithakalk and mica slate
• Fermentation & Aging: Whole berry open fermentation; aged 26 months in traditional wooden barrels
• Alcohol: 12.5%
• Farming: Practicing Organic

Sensory Description:

This St. Laurent opens with aromas of wild blackberries, violets, and dried herbs, with subtle hints of forest floor and spice. The palate is polished yet vibrant, showing juicy plum, black cherry, and a whisper of cracked pepper framed by fine tannins and a mineral-driven finish.

Winemaker’s Background:

For generations, the Prieler family has cultivated grapes on the western shore of Lake Neusiedl, with Engelbert and Irmgard transitioning the estate to high-quality winemaking in 1972. Today, their son Georg Prieler leads the estate with a meticulous focus on site expression and sustainable vineyard practices. With 20 hectares nestled between limestone slopes and mica-schist hillsides, the family specializes in Blaufränkisch and Burgundian varieties, grapes that thrive under Burgenland’s abundant sun and cooling alpine influences.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve at 60–65°F in a Burgundy-style glass to capture its aromatic nuance. This wine is a natural partner for duck confit, mushroom risotto, or a simple roast chicken with herbs. It also shines alongside alpine cheeses or charcuterie.