Emmerich Knoll's Riesling Loibner Federspiel epitomizes the Ortswein (village wine) classification, sourced from diverse plots surrounding the family abode. These vineyards, predominantly situated on flat terrain and at the mountain's base, showcase a mosaic of floodplain and loess soils infused with gneiss components. Averaging 25 years in age (spanning from 5 to 45 years), the vines thrive at a density of 3,500-4,000 per hectare.
The meticulous crafting of this wine begins with a 100% hand harvest, eschewing destemming to preserve the grape's integrity. Employing an airbag press, the grapes undergo a gentle extraction with one to four hours of skin contact. The fermentation process unfolds in a symphony of casks and stainless-steel tanks, boasting capacities ranging from 500 to 5,000 liters, meticulously selected based on batch quality.
Fermentation, orchestrated by a fusion of native and cultured yeast, spans a thoughtful duration of five to 10 days, maintaining temperatures between 20 to 23°C. Post-fermentation, the wine gracefully matures on lees for a minimum of four months, embracing a hands-off philosophy with no bâtonnage.
Full stone fruit aromas and a touch of ripe melon for a dry riesling that’s so sleek and racy. Wonderful balance in spite of the high acidity, giving this barely medium-bodied wine so much energy. Very long, samurai sword-like finish. Drinkable now, but best from 2025.