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.
The steep, stone terraced, Loibenberg, located in the town of Unterloiben, is Emmerich Knoll’s warmest vineyard. Knoll Rieslings from this site perennially display rich, round, and aromatic wines, while still being characteristically dry. This wine fall under the Vinea Wachau’s strict classification system as Smaragd, the highest quality level, based on natural alcohol content.