E. Knoll 2019 Grüner Veltliner Loibner Ried Kreutles Federspiel

The Wachau is one of the oldes wine regions in Austria, known for outstanding Riesling and Grüner Veltliner. So famous is it among wine lovers that visitors are often surprised to see that it is only 12 miles from tip to stern. Lotta talent packed into those 12 miles!

In the Wachau, "Federspiel" is a category of quality, as shown below. By regional law, no wine from this region can show any detectable sign of oak, so if barrels/casks are to be used, they must be completely neutral.

1. Steinfeder - the lightest style, these refreshing "sipping" wines can't exceed an ABV of 11.5%
2. Federspiel - allowable ABV of 11.5% - 12.5% in these wines that are much appreciated for their easy way with food parings of a wide variety. Named after a type of bird often used as bait in Falconry. Who knew?
3. Smaragd - oddly enough, this category is named for a type of green lizard found in the vineyards of Wachau! Wine-wise, this is the highest level of qality, the biggest and most powerful wines whose ABV is over 12.5%. Very age-worthy!