Johann Schmelz is the new rising star of the Wachau. This ambitious yet modest winemaker, a founding member of the Vinea Wachau Association, worked for the Jamek winery for many years before taking over the family operation. From the best vineyards Höhereck (High Corner) and Pichl Point, Schmelz creates polished, intense fruity white wines with harmonious acid structure. The 2003 Grüner Veltliner Smaragd from Höhereck is unbeatable in price/performance with 94 Falstaff points. Austria's leading wine magazine, Falstaff, awarded him the title of Winemaker of the Year in 2005. The Schmelz family has been making wine in the Wachau area for 5 generations in the town of Joching, home to many of the very best Wachau producers. Johann and Monika Schmelz and their sons Thomas and Florian's own 10.5 hectares of vineyards. The vineyards stretch for 6 km along the shores of the Danube between the villages of Woesendorf and Unter-Loiben. Yearly they produce 60,000 bottles. The majority of the wine is estate grown. A small amount of the grapes are bought from neighboring vintners.