Cantillon St. Lamvinus

Cantillon Saint Lamvinus is a unique grape lambic produced by Brasserie Cantillon in Brussels, Belgium. This beer exemplifies the fusion of traditional lambic brewing with winemaking techniques, resulting in a beverage that bridges the gap between beer and wine.

The production process involves macerating whole, destemmed wine grapes with lambic aged between 16 to 18 months. This maceration occurs in stainless steel tanks over a period of one to two months, allowing the lambic to extract flavors, tannins, and color from the grapes. The beer is then transferred to bottling tanks and bottled without blending, preserving the distinct character of each vintage.

Over the years, the grape varieties used in Saint Lamvinus have evolved. Initially, the beer featured a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes. In the early 2000s, the brewery shifted to using only Merlot. More recently, the 2022 vintage incorporated a blend of Merlot (55%), Grenache Noir (35%), and Syrah (10%), reflecting Cantillon's ongoing experimentation with grape varieties to achieve desired flavor profiles 

Due to its limited production and unique profile, Saint Lamvinus is highly sought after by enthusiasts. It is best enjoyed at cellar temperature, around 10–13°C (50–55°F), and can be consumed fresh to appreciate its fruity character or aged for several years to develop more complex flavors.