Location and classification
Laurentiuslay is an officially registered single vineyard site in the municipality and a wine-growing district Leiwen in the winegrowing region Mosel. It lies on the left bank of the Moselle opposite Leiwen and is classified as VDP.GROSSE LAGE® . The vineyards register lists it under number 410823 with 15.1 hectares of planted vineyard area; the VDP states a classified area of 34 hectares.
Topography and climate
The south-west-facing, largely unshaded terrace hillside provides intensive sunshine over large parts of the day. Due to its open location, it is considered warm and well ventilated. The documented slope gradient is over 65 per cent; according to the VDP between 40 and 80 per cent; the altitude is 130 to 180 metres above sea level.
Soils and viticulture
The soils are composed of weathered grey Hunsrück slate from the Devon and range from medium to great depth. The slate stores warmth during the day and releases it to the vines at night. Numerous dry-stone walls and terraced plots have been preserved; the steep terrain and the lack of conventional access roads have kept the terraces in their original condition.
Varieties and wine styles
For the VDP classification, Riesling is listed as the grape variety. Dry Riesling, finely sweet Riesling Spätlese, Riesling Spätlese, Beerenauslese and Eiswein are documented. Rieslings from Laurentiuslay are described as elegant, slender and piquant, with pronounced spice, particularly in finely sweet wines.
Name and history
The name refers to a nearby Laurentius chapel, whose choir dates from 1583. On a historical wine-growing map of the Moselle from 1906, Laurentiuslay is already listed.
