2021 Weingut Emmerich Knoll Wachau Ried Loibenberg Smaragd Riesling
- "This Is a Dry Riesling Masterpiece. Leaves You Speechless" ~99 JS
- Featured at 3-Star Michelin Restaurant The French Laundry
- Benchmark Austrian Producer
- BHW has the Lowest Price Anywhere!
- 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.
Loibenberg is one of the Wachau’s most renowned vineyards, celebrated for its steep, terraced slopes and ancient Urgestein (gneiss) soils. Nestled on the north bank of the Danube, it benefits from excellent sun exposure, allowing for the production of structured, spicy wines with remarkable depth and complexity. These wines reflect the unique terroir, where centuries-old stone walls support vines deeply rooted in rocky soils. Loibenberg stands as a true testament to the Wachau’s winemaking excellence, delivering wines that are both powerful and refined, perfectly embodying the region’s character and heritage.
Tasting Notes
100% Riesling. See Critical Reviews for detailed tasting notes
Critical Reviews
Haunting nose of delicate exotic fruit with a light, smoky note. Ripe and rich with enormous concentration, this is a dry riesling masterpiece that has decades ahead of it, thanks to the astonishing balance. Leaves you speechless at the extraordinary finish, where ripeness and fineness are almost perfectly married. Drink or hold. ~99 James Suckling
Light yellow gold, silver reflections. Hints of fresh yellow fruit, a touch of pineapple and mango, soft notes of floral honey. Juicy, a bit of apricot, fine acidity, a hint of blossom honey, full-bodied without being opulent, yellow peach on the finish, mineral aftertaste, very good length, a great food wine with ageing potential. ~97 Falstaff
Youthful color, pronounced bouquet, pink grapefruit, peach, apricot, full-bodied wine, striking acidity, close-knit texture, delicate melting finish, fruity-spicy aftertaste ~96 A La Carte Wein-Guide
***Free Shipping on 12 or More Bottles of This Wine***
Food Pairing
Seafood
Fish
Appetizers
Don't Miss This
Step Up Your Wine Experience with Big Hammer Wines
We taste over 5,000 wines tasted every year so you don't have to. We only pick 90+ rated wines sourced from the best wineries from all around the world.
Plus free shipping when you buy 12 or more bottles.
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.