Laurenz V (or L5) is a new Austrian project from our old friend Lenz Moser, whose family has been in the wine business for generations. The focus is on Gruner Veltliner only, and two distinct bottlings are imported to the United States: Laurenz V “Charming” Gruner Veltliner and Laurenz und Sophie “Singing” Gruner Veltliner.
Gruner Veltliner is the most widely planted grape variety in Austria, and serves as the country’s wine ambassador. It is made in two broadly defined styles, either serious and age worthy or lighthearted and quaffable.
The Laurenz V (commemorating the fifth generation of the Moser Family in the wine business) is in the serious style, and it is easy to see from tasting this wine why Jancis Robinson described Gruner Veltliner as “Austria’s answer to White Burgundy.” The 2005 was entirely hand-picked from the Kamptal region and the clusters were transported to the Loimer Winery in small bins to so as not to damage them. Fermentation occurred in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve fruitiness and a crisp finish.
