Schödl 'In Natura' St. Laurent Weinviertel 2023

In spite of its long agrarian history (over 7000 years!), the Weinviertel lacks the cachet of neighboring winemaking regions Wagram and the Kamptal to the southwest, yet possesses incredible potential! Its rolling hills and vast plains are planted to 14,000 hectares of vines, of which 18 belong to the Schödl siblings: Matthias, Viktoria, and Leonard. Their family vineyards are nestled in the eastern village of Loidesthal, an hour’s drive from Vienna and a mere 10 miles from the Slovakian border. Viktoria Schödl noticed the booming interest in natural wines during her time spent in Vienna, and brought that passion back home to her brothers and father, convincing them to give it a try. The family vineyards began conversion to organic viticulture in 2016, and that same year Viktoria and Leonard joined elder brother Matthias in managing the family estate. 2023 is the fifth official vintage released by the Schödls, and the 2024 vintage will be certified biodynamic by Respekt. This 100% Sankt Laurent is a delightful showcase of this often overlooked red variety, and comes from the Schödl’s single vineyard in den Kreuthern. Fermentation took 10 days and involved 10% whole cluster and 90% whole berry in large neutral oak fermenters. After 14 days of skin contact the juice was pressed off into 300L oak barrels for seven months of aging on lees, then bottled without fining or filtration. Burly, yet with a playful edge, this offers layers of dark berries, pomegranate-balsamic reduction, and meaty/sanguinous iron ore accents alongside zippy acidity and heirloom red apple skin tannin. Certified organic, biodynamically grown, low-intervention/natural wine, vegan.