Weingut Knoll

Loibner Loibenberg Smaragd Riesling 2015

9.2

Any time I open a Riesling or GV from a reputable producer, I wonder why I don’t open them more often.

Great vintage, great Austrian producer.

I really enjoy the differences between Alsatian Rieslings, German Rieslings and Austrian Rieslings, the latter normally being a bit more textural/full-bodied (and higher in ABV at 13%, compared to the typical 8-10% range of the others). Pale yellow in the glass. White peach and a sweet lemon/lemongrass type of aromatic. Ripe stone fruits (more peach but also apricot) and minerals/slate alongside a spine of acidity that isn’t sharp, but balanced. Tasty. — 20 days ago

Pinotman, Tom and 26 others liked this

Pinotman /// Andreas

The Alsatian Riesling are often broad and big. Top ones are just rare in the US. One has to go to the source to try more producers.

Pinotman /// Andreas

Aka visit Elsass.

Shay A

@Pinotman /// Andreas : Thanks for the info. I’m normally opening sweet(er) German Rieslings, which makes sense at the lower ABV. I have a lengthy experience with Alsatian Rieslings and normally don’t find them “big”, but I suppose it’s relative. 2007 Trimbach CFE I had a few days ago was more elegant, but not as chiseled as I’d expect from a dry German Riesling. Also get TDN/petrol profile more common with Alsatian Rieslings than others.