Rescued memory
Svätovavrinecké four rows, one barrel, the nineteen seventies
A variety Slovakia is slowly walking away from. We decided to do the opposite: save four original rows that someone planted in the seventies and forgot about for decades. This is what memory tastes like.
V zanedbanom kúte vinohradu sa našli štyri zarastené riadky, pôvodná výsadba zo sedemdesiatych rokov, ktorá tam stála napriek všetkému. Bežný postup by bol vyklčovať a začať odznova. My sme sa rozhodli pre opačný smer.
St. Laurent is a variety in retreat in Slovak winemaking today; modern plantings lean toward international names. That is exactly what makes this barrel unique: wine from grapes that belong there, because they have always been there.
We run the vineyard under certified organic rules with an emphasis on biodynamics. The grapes are picked by hand, the wine ferments spontaneously with its own yeasts, matures in a wooden barrel and goes into the bottle unfiltered, unfined and with minimal sulfur. Vegan, with no needless intervention.
Limited edition
One barrel. Per year.
Four rows of original vines yield only as many grapes as fit into a single barrel. That is how little St. Laurent we make in a year, and how little of it we send into the world. Every bottle is one of a few.
A story nobody planned
- Step 01
The find
While taking over the vineyards, four original rows of St. Laurent from fifty years back turn up. The decision is made not to grub them up.
- Step 02
Restoration
The old vines are gradually treated, pruned and brought back to life. No drastic measures, no radical rejuvenation.
- Step 03
One barrel · one vintage
The yield from four rows fits into one barrel. The wine matures in its own time, with no schedules, nothing forced.
For us it is one of a kind. A variety slowly disappearing from Slovak vineyards still has its place with us.
winemaker
Tasting profile
- Origin
- Original 1970s planting · Devín
- Edition
- ~1 barrel / year · numbered bottles
- Character
- Every vintage a little different · natural, unembellished
- Vineyard
- 4 preserved rows · old vines
- Soil
- Clay and limestone · mineral firmness
- Palate
- Juicy and fruity · plum, cherry, a hint of violet
At the table
Roast duck breast, game braised in red wine, mushroom ragout, semi-hard cheeses with walnuts. Serve lightly chilled at 14-16 °C.


