2020 Weingut Emmerich Knoll Wachau Ried Pfaffenberg Steiner Riesling
- "It Makes You Feel Like You’re on Vacation on Hawaii or Tahiti" ~96 JS
- Featured at 3-Star Michelin Restaurant The French Laundry
- Benchmark Austrian Producer
- Free Shipping on 12 or More Bottles
About the Wine
Meet Emmerich Knoll III, a passionate ambassador for Austria’s Wachau wine region. He farms 37 acres of family vineyards, producing wines that beautifully showcase the unique Unterloiben terroir—home to some of Austria’s most celebrated vineyards. For over three generations, the Knoll family has proudly owned and operated this treasured winery.
While their focus is on Grüner Veltliner and Riesling, they also grow small amounts of Rivaner, Gelber Traminer, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay, making their offerings diverse and exciting.
As a proud member of “Vinea Wachau Nobilis Districtus”—an elite association of Wachau winemakers following strict quality standards—Knoll Winery consistently produces wines that earn top spots on Michelin restaurant including the legendary 3-star Michelin restaurant, The French Laundry.
And about that famous label? While some jokingly call it the “exploding Jesus,” it actually depicts St. Urban, based on a painting by renowned Austrian artist Siegfried Stoitzner. You can see the original hanging in the Knoll family’s 400-year-old restaurant, Loibnerhof.
The Wachau, less than 15 miles long and just an hour from Vienna, is one of Austria’s most celebrated wine regions. Its steep, stone-terraced vineyards rise along the north bank of the Danube River, creating a breathtaking landscape and ideal conditions for winemaking.
Emmerich Knoll’s Pfaffenberg vineyard feels every bit like a Wachau site with its steep terraces, rocky soils, and proximity to the Danube. Yet, due to historical decisions, it’s officially part of the Kremstal region. Before the Vinea Wachau association, the nearby city of Krems was seen as the heart of Wachau winemaking. However, Wachau growers wanted to focus on their unique Urgestein soils and distance themselves from Krems merchants, leading to the exclusion of vineyards like Pfaffenberg.
Despite the divide, Pfaffenberg and Wachau’s Loibenberg vineyard share much in common—steep terraces and ancient rocky soils. While Pfaffenberg produces softer, approachable wines, Loibenberg is known for structured, spicy expressions. The similarities between the two highlight how Pfaffenberg truly embodies the Wachau spirit, even if it falls outside the official boundary.
Tasting Notes
100% Riesling. See Critical Reviews for detailed tasting notes
Critical Reviews
An astonishingly ripe and exotic dry riesling for the 2020 vintage. There's so much pineapple, mango and vanilla in here, it makes you feel like you're on vacation on Hawaii or Tahiti. Very concentrated, the vibrant acidity wrapped in considerable richness. Creamy, dreamy finish with discreet tannins adding a great counterpoint. Drink or hold. ~96 James Suckling
Light golden yellow, silver reflections. Mineral, fine nuances of yellow tropical fruit, hints of peach and mango, fine honey touch, candied orange zest. Juicy, elegant, good complexity, mineral with good persistency, a balanced food wine, good ageing potential. ~95 Falstaff
Enticing, with bright honeysuckle and citrus notes leading the way, backed by vibrant acidity and mineral backbone. The midpalate is marked by a wave of spice, including white pepper, cardamom and allspice. Quinine notes mark the long, mouthwatering finish. ~93 Wine Enthusiast
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Food Pairing
Seafood
Fish
Oyster
Tapas & Pintxos
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A Wine Journey Through Austria’s Unique Regions
Explore Austria's diverse wine regions, showcasing distinct expressions of terroir and tradition.
Wachau
Wachau: Terroir and the Art of Austrian Winemaking
Wachau’s terraced vineyards, overlooking the Danube River, are home to some of Austria’s most celebrated wines. With Grüner Veltliner taking center stage, these wines reflect the region’s rocky, steep terroir. The photos of Wachau’s scenic terraces bring the landscape to life—these are the vineyards that produce wines with vibrant acidity and layers of citrus, green apple, and mineral undertones.
Burgenland
Burgenland: A Sun-Drenched Haven for Bold Red Wines
Known for its warm, sunny climate, Burgenland produces wines that are rich, bold, and expressive. Here, Blaufränkisch and other red varieties thrive in the deep, fertile soils, offering complex, full-bodied wines. The Burgenland photos showcase expansive vineyards bathed in sunlight—ideal for pairing with hearty dishes, rich meats, and flavorful cheeses.
Kamptal
Kamptal: Balancing Freshness and Depth in Austrian Wines
Nestled in Austria’s heart, Kamptal offers wines that balance the best of freshness and depth. Known for its Grüner Veltliner, the region’s wines are peppered with flavors of fresh herbs, citrus, and spice. The Kamptal photos evoke the rolling hills and vineyards, representing the fresh, bright character that defines Kamptal wines.
Kremstal
Kremstal: Elegant Wines from the Danube's Cool Climate
The Kremstal region, with its cooler climate, is known for producing wines with a lively, elegant character. Rich in Grüner Veltliner and Riesling, Kremstal wines are aromatic and vibrant, with a delicate balance of fruit and minerality. The Kremstal photos perfectly reflect this—showing vineyards that lie along the Danube River, where the wines flourish in perfect harmony with the climate.
Styria
Styria: A Hidden Gem of Zesty and Sustainable Wines
Lesser-known but full of character, Styria produces wines that are fresh, zesty, and bold. With Zweigelt and Sauvignon Blanc among the standout varieties, this region is renowned for its clean, crisp wines with a touch of citrus and herbaceous notes. The Styria photos capture the lush, green hills and quiet vineyards—reflecting the region’s commitment to sustainable, natural farming.
Weinviertel
Weinviertel: Austria's Expansive Region of Diverse Wines
Austria’s largest wine region, Weinviertel, offers a variety of wines, from crisp, refreshing whites to deep, rich reds. With Grüner Veltliner being the star, these wines express the region’s cool, dry climate, providing fresh acidity balanced by flavors of green herbs and apple. The Weinviertel photos highlight the vastness of the region, with rows of vineyards stretching across the landscape.