Location and Area
Unterloiben is a cadastral community of the town of Dürnstein in Lower Austria and carries the cadastral community number 12117. The area covers 435.69 hectares. The Wachau begins on the left bank of the Danube at Rothenhof between Stein and Unterloiben.
Climate and Wine Landscape
In the Wachau, Pannonian air currents from the east meet cooler air that descends through forested side valleys from the Waldviertel and the Dunkelsteinerwald. The Loibenberg, associated with Unterloiben, consists mainly of terraces facing south and reaches an altitude of about 400 to 420 metres above sea level. Its subsoil is shaped primarily by weathered Gföhler gneiss; in deeper or eastern areas, loess and clay soils are also found.
Terraces and Grape Varieties
The Loibenberg is mostly terraced and has historical dry-stone walls, some of which date back to the 14th century. In the Wachau, vines grow on steep terraces, at the bases of slopes, and in flatter areas. Riesling is particularly associated with shallow, nutrient-poor terrace soils, while Grüner Veltliner also thrives on loess and river-close soils.
Winegrowing in Unterloiben
The winery Emmerich Knoll in Unterloiben focuses primarily on Grüner Veltliner and Riesling. In addition, Gelber Muskateller, Chardonnay, Gelber Traminer and Blauburgunder are cultivated. The wines from the most important Wachau sites are described as clear, precise, mineral and structured, and have ageing potential. The Smaragd wines mature in old wooden casks and are released from September after the summer of the vintage.