Thermenregion, Austria

100% St. Laurent from winemaker Heinrich Hartl, fifth generation winemaker of a small family business. The vineyards are in Thermenregion,
20km south of Vienna in the village of Oberwaltersdorf. Vines are 12 years old with 4,000vines/ha and the grapes were hand-picked in mid- Oct 2009 at full ripeness during dry and warm conditions producing 2,900hl/ha. Pressed once at 1.5 bar with pneumatic press. Macerated for 20 days in total, starting 4 days pre-fermentation which took place in stainless steel tanks and lasted 10 - 21 days at 34°C max using indigenous yeast with no aeration. Malolactic fermentation occurred naturally in the tank and barrel. Lightly oaked, 50% in used 225l French oak barrels (2-4 fillings) for 12 months, the rest in stainless steel tanks, aged on lees for 8 months with no stirring. Bottled May 2012. Suitable for vegetarians and vegans. Alc 12.5%, TA 4.8g/l, RS 2.7g/l. Available from Waitrose Wine Direct and 5 branches.

A very young, green nose, promising no ripeness at all. Very light in the mouth. With the weight of a pinot, but with a nutty flavour.
Tasted 04/10/12

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