Knoll Gruner Veltliner Kreutles Smaragd 2017

Cellar for up to 14 years. Serve chilled.

Regarded as one of Austria’s premier wineries, the Knoll estate in the village of Unterloiben in the Wachau has been owned by the same family for generations. Today the 15 hectare property is run by Emmerich II and Monika along with their son Emmerich III who recently finished his agriculture studies.

The estate includes top vineyards in many of Wachau’s most famous crus which are predominantly planted with Gruner Veltliner and Riesling on steep stony terraces. The family specialise in producing powerful yet graceful wines with excellent ageing potential. This Gruner comes from the family’s Kreutles vineyard which sits on prized calcareous soils ideally suited to the grape variety. It’s been awarded Vinea Wachau’s Smaragd designation in recognition of its status as one of the finest from the region.

The young wine is aged in old wooden casks over the winter and not released before the harvest the following year. This helps create a nuanced, complex white that’s bursting with zingy citrus, green apple and pear, and hints of orchard fruits seasoned with gentle spice and toast from the cask. A fantastic white to serve with dishes like grilled asparagus, salmon or tuna steaks, roast chicken or aged hard cheeses.