2013 Austria

Emmerich Knoll's winery in Unterloiben is one of Austria's most famous wine-growing estates. Each bottle’s traditional label is almost as highly regarded as the wines themselves. The estate has been run by the family for decades, and today Emmerich II and Monika Knoll, along with their son Emmerich III, are at the helm. Emmerich doesn't like overpowered, exuberant wines. Tight, concentrated wines which show their power packed – that's the credo of this extraordinary estate.

This is a dry, rich and full style of Riesling. There are notes of spice, yellow flowers and white peach fruit. It has stunning clarity on the finish.

The 2013 vintage was challenging, with a mixture of rain at flowering and a hot summer, but the attention to detail in the vineyard at Pichler has resulted in a wine of incredible purity and definition. Floral aromatics of peach and lemon thyme play on the nose; while the palate offers a silky texture with vibrant and nervy acidity. The concentration develops on the core, leading to a refreshing, saline finish. Drink now to 2028.
Fiona Hayes, Wine Buyer

Prager is run by Toni Bodenstein, son-in-law of Franz Prager and one of the most celebrated winemakers in Austria today. Earnest but very likeable, Toni has made a minute geological study of this extraordinary terroir, producing wines which are united by an incredible sense of purity.

With lofty intent, the 4.5-hectare Klaus vineyard stands high above the Danube valley, looking down on the sites below. No wonder then that in 2013, it should thrill with racy, high-toned fruit. It struts with fantastic lemon sherbet pulse; so juicy, so pure. For once it seems to have revelled in the cooler, late-harvest vintage, responding with charm. Just check that outrageous saltiness on the finish. This is a very dry wine, with a mere three grams of residual sugar offset by 8.1 grams of natural acidity! Stunning. Drink now to 2028.