A family-run winery that has come to represent quality and tradition, Weingut Emmerich Knoll is nestled in Austria’s Wachau Valley, where terraced vineyards tumble down to meet the glittering Danube River. The Knoll family has produced wines over many generations that not only capture the terroir of this breathtaking area but also their constant commitment to quality.
A Tradition Based on the Terroir of Wachau
The Knoll family established its roots in the picturesque Wachau village of Unterloiben in 1825, marking the beginning of Weingut Emmerich Knoll’s story. Their name has been a symbol of Austrian winemaking for almost 200 years, and they are renowned for creating Riesling and Grüner Veltliner wines that perfectly represent the distinctive qualities of the area.
The Knoll family’s reverence for the soil is the foundation of their prosperity. The Wachau produces bright, expressive wines because of its terroir, a combination of stony, mineral-rich soils and a climate influenced by cool Alpine air and warm Pannonian breezes. The unique taste and enduring appeal of the Knoll wines are attributed to this harmony of natural components.
A Patchwork of Excellence: The Vineyards
The vineyards of Weingut Emmerich Knoll are spread across some of the most esteemed locations in Wachau, and each one offers a unique representation of the area. The wines of the Schütt vineyard, distinguished by their gravelly soils abundant in gneiss and alluvial deposits, have a sharp, lively acidity and remarkable minerality. The sunny slopes of Kellerberg, primarily composed of main rock soils with granite infusions, produce wines with remarkable depth, concentration, and a hint of smokiness. With its sandy loam and worn rock, the Loibenberg vineyard, on the other hand, creates wines that are elegantly resonant by striking a harmonious balance between richness and refinement.
With each bottle telling a tale of the vineyard it originated from, the Knoll family can highlight the Wachau’s exceptional terroir in all its complexity thanks to this varied tapestry of soils.
A variety of wines produced by Weingut Emmerich Knoll encapsulate the spirit of the Wachau. Their well-known Riesling and Grüner Veltliner, which are praised for their balance, complexity, and capacity to age gracefully, are at the forefront. The rich and intense Smaragd wines, the highest of Wachau’s categories, are among the Grüner Veltliners, as are the crisp and vibrant Federspiel varieties. These wines are renowned for their distinctive minerality, stone fruit, white pepper layers, and lively acidity.
Knoll’s Rieslings are equally outstanding, ranging from the richly textured and very fragrant Smaragd choices to the zesty citrus and green apple of the Federspiel line.
Apart from these trademark varieties, Weingut Emmerich Knoll also produces sophisticated dessert wines that showcase the family’s proficiency in late-harvest methods. These uncommon and valuable wines are prized for their rich richness, which is counterbalanced by a sharp acidity that keeps the palate light.
The Classic Brands That Evoke Tradition
The distinctive labels of Weingut Emmerich Knoll’s wines, which showcase an image of Saint Urban, the patron saint of winemakers, are among its most identifiable features. These labels pay homage to the family’s enduring respect for customs and history, which goes beyond simple design decisions.
However, the wines themselves change with every vintage, even though the labels never go out of style. The Knoll family’s versatility and success are demonstrated by the way their annual production captures the subtleties of the growing season.
Making Stylish and Accurate Wines
Emmerich Knoll III, who oversees the winery, blends traditional methods with deliberate innovation. The family’s approach to winemaking places a strong emphasis on minimizing interference so that the terroir and the grapes’ inherent characteristics can be highlighted. To maintain the fruit’s integrity, every stage—from handpicking to delicate pressing—is meticulously carried out.
Large oak casks are used for the traditional fermentation process, which adds delicate layers of complexity without overpowering the inherent qualities of the wines. Each bottle embodies the accuracy and attention to detail that characterize Weingut Emmerich Knoll, whether it’s the layered intensity of their Riesling or the crystalline brightness of their Smaragd-level Grüner Veltliner.
The Tasting notes
2011 Ried Loibenberg Grüner Veltliner Smaragd
Golden rays in a glass, this wine whispers tales of sunlit terraces and cool river breezes. Aromas of ripe orchard fruits dance with white pepper and a kiss of flint. On the palate, it flows like silk—rich yet vibrant, with citrus zest and a mineral core, finishing with a graceful, endless echo. A true ode to Wachau’s soul. 92 corked Points
