The Wine Reference🍷 SupportKerner grape
Kerner is a white grape known for peach, apple, spice. Its best-known homes are Alto Adige.
Origin and history
Bred in 1929 at Weinsberg in Württemberg by August Herold, crossing Trollinger (Schiava Grossa) with Riesling; named after the poet Justinus Kerner.
Where it grows
Germany (Rheinhessen, Pfalz, Württemberg) and Italy's Alto Adige, notably the Eisacktal (Valle Isarco); small plantings in Switzerland and Japan.
Structure
Light to medium body with fresh, Riesling-like acidity; made dry to off-dry, occasionally as sweet late-harvest wine.
Aromas, young and aged
Young: green apple, peach, lime and a light spicy, grassy note. With age: honey, quince and subtle petrol-like hints.
Ageing
Most is best within 2–5 years; the best Eisacktal examples can age for 8–10.
Good to know
Its frost resistance makes it ideal for high, cool sites; Abbazia di Novacella in the Eisacktal is one of its best-known producers.
Similar white grapes
Explore all grapes in the interactive guide
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