Originating in Germany in the 1400s, Riesling is hailed the world over as one of the premier white grape varieties. The 2nd most-planted white grape in Austria, Riesling favors the stony, primary rock soils and cool climates of the Wachau. Sensitive and demanding in the vineyard due to its late ripening and susceptibility to different kinds of rot, winemakers nevertheless prize Riesling for its terroir-expressiveness, a quality that shines especially when grown in Austria’s unique Wachau. Riesling’s acidity and structure, combined with its typical flavor profile of mineralic fruit, make it a supremely versatile food wine, pairing well with the expected white fish and pork, but also able to stand up to the spicier cuisines of India and Southeast Asia.
Typically harvested from Knoll’s vineyards in and around the town of Unterloiben, this Riesling falls under the Vinea Wachau’s second tier of quality classification, known as Federspiel. Wines in the Federspiel category must have an alcohol content between 11.5% and 12.5% by volume.