Vinothekfüllung 2024

Located in the heart of the Wachau Valley, on the north bank of the Danube, the Emmerich Knoll Estate cultivates its vines around the village of Unterloiben, in one of Austria's most renowned wine regions. The steep slopes, terraced schist and stony soils, and the regulating influence of the river create a cool, breezy microclimate, ideal for white grape varieties. The Vinothekfüllung cuvée comes from carefully selected parcels, expressing the minerality and finesse typical of this UNESCO World Heritage wine landscape.

The grapes are hand-harvested from the finest plots in the Wachau Valley, then gently pressed before careful settling. Fermentation proceeds slowly in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve aromatic purity and fruit precision. Aging continues on fine lees, primarily in stainless steel tanks supplemented by large, neutral vessels, to enhance complexity and texture without imparting oak influence, before a late bottling typical of the Vinothekfüllung style.

This wine reveals notes of ripe stone fruit , fresh citrus , and white-fleshed fruit , complemented by delicate floral touches, a pronounced minerality , and subtle spicy nuances. The palate is full yet precise, driven by a lively and perfectly integrated acidity that extends the finish. The concentration remains balanced by great freshness, offering a sense of tension and depth, with a clean and mouthwatering aromatic persistence.

Austrian viticulture has made enormous strides in wine quality over the past decade. Today, Austrian winemakers no longer produce cheap wines for mass consumption, but rather refined and complex wines. Austria produces 65% white wines. From a general perspective, Austrian wines are more powerful and richer than those of their German neighbor. The major and most widely planted national grape variety is Grüner Veltliner (an indigenous white grape). Red wine production continues to increase in volume, intensity, and quality. In Burgenland, in particular, producers are making the most of a unique blend of local grape varieties (Blaufränkisch, Saint-Laurent, Zweigelt) and French varieties (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir). Austria's climate is primarily continental, with cold winters and hot summers. The country is influenced by four main weather patterns. To the east, continental influences from Pannonia; to the west, Atlantic influences as well as cold winds from the north; and to the south, Mediterranean influences. The Danube, meandering languidly through numerous vineyards, brings a variety of microclimates to the vines.