Kerner

Kerner is a white grape variety that was first bred in Germany in 1929 by crossing Riesling and Trollinger (Schiava Grossa). The grape was developed by August Herold at a plant breeding station in Lauffen in the Württemberg region. Kerner was named after Justinus Kerner, a 19th-century German poet and writer of drinking songs who was also a physician and wine enthusiast. Though developed in 1929, Kerner was not released for cultivation until 1969.

What Makes Kerner Unique

Kerner was deliberately created to produce a Riesling-like grape that could withstand colder climates. Although bred from a white and a red grape, Kerner is very much a white grape with light green berries that displays distinct Riesling-like characteristics. The variety is known for its floral, fruity aromas, crisp acidity, and adaptability, expanding the possibilities for quality wine production in areas with challenging climates.

Kerner is a frost-resistant grape and grows particularly well at higher elevations. When cultivated on sufficiently sunny slopes, it can grow in altitudes of up to 8-900 meters above sea level, making it particularly suited to mountain viticulture. This cold-resistant nature allows winemakers to explore higher altitude sites that might be too harsh for other grape varietals.

Where Kerner Grows In The World

Kerner is one of the most popular grape crossings created in 20th-century Germany, and is planted extensively throughout the country, particularly in Pfalz and Rheinhessen. Beyond Germany, the variety has found success in several other regions:

Europe:

• Italy’s Alto Adige region, where it is widely planted.
• South Tyrol’s Val Venosta and Isarco Valley at higher elevations.
• Austria and Switzerland
• England

Beyond Europe:

• Canada (including Ontario)
• Japan

How Winemakers Use Kerner

The aromatic, fruity grape variety is made at all German wine quality levels up to Auslese. The profile of these wines is typically unoaked. Kerner is used in blends but also produces excellent single-varietal wines.

Winemakers appreciate Kerner’s versatility in different climatic conditions and its ability to maintain good acidity even in cooler areas. The grape’s natural resistance to frost makes it particularly valuable for producers in marginal climates who want to achieve Riesling-like quality.

Tasting Notes and Wine Specifications

Color:

The colour of Kerner is usually between light and straw yellow.

Aroma:

Notable Kerner wines feature aromas of peach, white flowers, citrus, and hints of tropical fruit. You can expect aromas of alpine flowers, honeysuckle, herbs, and orchard fruits. Pronounced varietal bouquet, often with a Muscat tone; the wines are fresh and aromatic, offering a tasty blend of mixed white fruits, with hints of apple, grapefruit, and a tropical whiff of mango and featuring a more aromatic bouquet than Riesling.

Flavor:

The palate is typically vibrant and crisp, with flavors of green apple, pear, apricot, citrus, and stone fruits, which are accompanied by an earthy minerality and herbal nuances. The wine is acidic, with fine aromas and fruits (pear, orange jam, green apple, redcurrant, apricot, and iced candy).

Structure:

Similar to Riesling, Kerner wines are fresh, have racy acidity, and are fruity, milder in acidity, and show more body. Wine made from Kerner has a slightly herbal aroma.

Aging:

Kerner wines are typically enjoyed young to preserve their fresh, aromatic character. However, higher quality examples can develop additional complexity with short-term cellaring.

Food Pairing:

Food to pair with Kerner includes vegetables and pizza. The wine’s crisp acidity and aromatic profile make it an excellent match for:

• Fresh seafood and shellfish
• Light poultry dishes
• Asian cuisine with aromatic spices
• Soft cheeses
• Fruit-based desserts
• Spicy vegetarian dishes

Kerner Today

With its potential for growth in new wine areas around the world and increased consumer interest in aromatic whites, Kerner is experiencing renewed attention from both producers and wine enthusiasts. The variety’s adaptability to challenging climates makes it increasingly relevant as winemakers seek alternatives to traditional varieties that can thrive in changing environmental conditions.

The grape’s success in diverse regions from Germany’s cool valleys to Italy’s mountain vineyards demonstrates its versatility. Modern winemakers are exploring Kerner’s potential for producing both everyday drinking wines and more premium expressions that showcase the variety’s unique character.

Should You Try Kerner?

Absolutely. Kerner offers an excellent introduction to Germanic white wine styles for those who find Riesling too austere or acidic. The variety provides many of Riesling’s best qualities – aromatic complexity, mineral character, and food-friendly acidity – but with a rounder, more approachable profile.

For wine enthusiasts seeking something different from the mainstream Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc offerings, Kerner represents an exciting discovery. Its combination of floral aromatics, fruit-forward character, and food versatility makes it suitable for both casual sipping and serious wine appreciation.

Conclusion

Kerner stands as a testament to successful grape breeding, fulfilling its original purpose of bringing Riesling-like quality to challenging climates while developing its own distinct personality. From its origins in 1929 Germany to its current cultivation across multiple continents, Kerner has proven its worth as both a commercial success and a quality wine grape.

The variety’s ability to express terroir while maintaining consistent varietal character makes it valuable for producers seeking to differentiate their offerings. For consumers, Kerner provides an accessible entry point into the world of aromatic white wines, offering complexity without intimidation and pairing versatility that makes it suitable for diverse culinary experiences.

As climate change continues to challenge traditional wine regions, Kerner’s adaptability and cold-hardiness position it well for future growth. Whether you’re a curious wine novice or an experienced enthusiast looking to expand your horizons, Kerner deserves a place in your glass.