Kerner
A hardy 1929 Riesling × Trollinger crossing that keeps much of Riesling's crispness and floral lift. Notably successful in Alto Adige and Hokkaido.
About Kerner
Kerner was bred in 1929 by August Herold at the Weinsberg viticultural station in Württemberg, crossing white Riesling with the red grape Trollinger (Schiava Grossa). Named for the local poet and physician Justinus Kerner, it became popular in Germany from the 1970s as a hardier, higher-yielding, frost-resistant alternative that still echoed Riesling's crisp acidity and floral-citrus aromatics. Beyond Germany it found unexpected homes: it is a signature white of Italy's Alto Adige, grown at high altitude for taut, mineral wines, and it thrives on Japan's cool northern island of Hokkaido, where it has become a local specialty. Fresh, apple-and-pear scented with a gentle muscat lift, Kerner is best enjoyed young and unoaked, a dependable and food-friendly aromatic white.
Variety profile
Editorial notes
Look to Alto Adige and Hokkaido for the most serious, mineral examples; drink within a few years of the vintage.