Emmerich Knoll’s 15 hectares around the villages of Unterloiben and Dürnstein are considered to be the top areas in the Wachau—which instantly makes “Pffafenberg” something of an esoteric rarity. This steep, terraced, hillside site shares the same slope as Wachau’s famed “Loibenberg,” but is technically considered a part of the Kremstal. Because of this, Knoll is unable to use the Wachau’s Federspiel/Smaragd designations. In its place is a “Kabinett” designation which, for all intents and purposes, is the equivalent of a Federspiel. Wine politics aside, you can expect a juicier, softer dry Riesling that is made in minute quantities. This is a favorite “value buy” from Knoll—whenever we can find, that is!
