Laurot
Also known as: DM-18-IV-75
Laurot
Summary
Laurot is a Czech PIWI red variety developed in Moravia, known for producing deeply colored, structured red wines with good aging potential. Created at the breeding station in Velké Pavlovice, Laurot has become one of the most successful PIWI reds from Eastern Europe. With excellent disease resistance and wine quality rivaling traditional varieties, Laurot represents Czech viticultural achievement in sustainable grape breeding, gaining recognition across Central Europe for its ability to produce serious, cellar-worthy red wines.
Identity
VIVC: Entry #16461
Berry Color: NOIR
Type: PIWI (Interspecific hybrid)
Breeding Number: DM-18-IV-75
Creator: Moravian breeding program, Czech Republic
Year: 1970s (crossing); released 1990s
Name Origin: Named possibly after laurel (symbol of victory), reflecting the variety’s achievement in combining resistance with quality.
Genetic Origin
Parentage: Merlot × (Blaufränkisch × Seibel 13666)
Breaking down the parentage:
- Merlot: Classic Bordeaux variety; contributes color, body, complexity
- Blaufränkisch: Central European red; adds acidity, structure
- Seibel 13666: French-American hybrid; provides disease resistance
Breeding Achievement: Successfully combined premium vinifera quality with disease resistance
Disease Resistance Profile
| Disease | Resistance Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Downy Mildew | HIGH | Strong resistance |
| Powdery Mildew | HIGH | Strong resistance |
| Botrytis | MEDIUM-HIGH | Good resistance |
| Black Rot | HIGH | Good resistance |
Spray Reduction: 70-85% reduction vs. traditional varieties
Practical Impact: One of Central Europe’s best disease-resistant reds
Distribution
Total Global Plantings: ~200 hectares
| Country | Hectares | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Czech Republic | ~120 | Origin; well-established |
| Slovakia | ~40 | Significant adoption |
| Germany | ~25 | Growing |
| Poland | ~10 | Emerging |
| Other | ~5 | Various |
Viticulture
Growth Characteristics
- Vigor: Medium to high
- Growth Habit: Semi-erect
- Budbreak: Medium
- Flowering: Mid-season
- Véraison: Medium-late
- Harvest: Medium-late (mid-October in Moravia)
Climate Requirements
- Ideal Climate: Continental
- Heat Summation: 1,200-1,600 GDD (base 10°C)
- Frost: Good tolerance (important for Central Europe)
- Optimal Regions: Moravia, Slovakia, Germany
Soil Preferences
- Adaptable: Various wine soils
- Ideal: Well-drained with moderate fertility
- Moravian Sites: Performs on traditional terroirs
Viticultural Management
- Training: Guyot or cordon
- Pruning: Standard practices
- Yield Control: 50-70 hl/ha for quality
- Spray Program: Significantly reduced
Enology
Must Parameters at Harvest
| Parameter | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brix | 22-25° | Good accumulation |
| pH | 3.4-3.7 | Moderate |
| Titratable Acidity | 5.5-7.0 g/L | Good |
| YAN | 180-280 mg/L | Generally adequate |
Phenolic Profile
- Anthocyanins: HIGH (excellent color)
- Total Tannins: HIGH (firm structure)
- Character: Merlot-influenced; deep, structured
Fermentation
- Yeast Selection: Quality red wine yeasts
- Temperature: 26-30°C
- Duration: 10-18 days
- Maceration: Extended (14-28 days)
- Cap Management: Regular punch-downs
Wine Styles
| Style | Method | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Classic | Standard maceration, oak | Structured, balanced |
| Reserve | Extended maceration, barriques | Age-worthy, complex |
| Blend | With other varieties | Adds color, structure |
Oak Aging
- Recommended: 12-18 months
- Type: French or Hungarian oak
- New Oak: 20-40%
- Effect: Enhances complexity; integrates tannins
Aging Potential
- Minimum: 2-3 years
- Premium: 8-12 years
- Character: Develops tertiary complexity
Sensory Profile
Visual
- Intensity: DEEP
- Hue: Purple to ruby
- Character: Excellent color density
Aromatic Profile
| Category | Descriptors |
|---|---|
| Fruit | BLACK CHERRY, plum, blackberry |
| Spice | Black pepper, clove |
| Herbal | Subtle herbs |
| Oak | Cedar, vanilla (if oaked) |
| Tertiary | Leather, tobacco (with age) |
Palate
- Body: Medium-full to full
- Acidity: Medium to medium-high
- Tannins: FIRM (age-worthy)
- Alcohol: Moderate to high (13-14.5%)
- Finish: Long, structured
Quality Recognition
Laurot has achieved:
- Success in Czech wine competitions
- Growing international recognition
- Comparison to Merlot in quality
Winemaker Considerations
Challenges
- Recognition: Lesser known internationally
- Market Position: PIWI stigma in some markets
- Availability: Limited nursery stock outside Central Europe
- Patience: Needs aging for optimal expression
- Name Pronunciation: Unfamiliar to many markets
Opportunities
- Quality Leader: Czech PIWI flagship
- Merlot Alternative: Similar quality profile
- Sustainability Story: Dramatic spray reduction
- Regional Identity: Czech wine heritage
- Value Proposition: Quality at lower production cost
Winemaking Tips
- Extended maceration for structure
- Oak aging essential
- Allow bottle aging before release
- Market regional identity
- Communicate quality comparisons to Merlot
Czech Wine Context
Laurot’s significance in Czech viticulture:
- National Achievement: Proof of Czech breeding success
- Moravian Heritage: Fits traditional wine culture
- Sustainable Future: Important for organic production
- Export Potential: Growing international interest
Comparison with Traditional Red Varieties
| Characteristic | Laurot | Merlot | Blaufränkisch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | Deep | Medium-Deep | Deep |
| Tannins | Firm | Medium-Soft | Firm |
| Acidity | Medium-High | Medium | High |
| Aging | 8-12 years | 5-15 years | 8-15 years |
| Disease Resistance | High | Low | Low |
Sources
- VIVC Database - Vitis International Variety Catalogue
- Czech Wine Fund (Vinařský fond)
- PIWI International Association
- Moravian wine research stations
Last Updated: January 13, 2026