The
Kerner grape is an aromatic white grape variety. It was bred in 1929 by
August Herold by crossing Trollinger (a red variety also known as
Schiava grossa or Vernatsch) and Riesling. Herold was working at a plant
breeding station in Lauffen in the Wurttemberg region of Germany. This
station belonged to a state breeding institute headquartered in
Weinsberg.
It received varietal protection and was released for
general cultivation in 1969.
Kerner has been named in honour of a poet and physician from Swabia,
Justinus Kerner, whose works included songs and poetry on wine. Kerner
lived from 1818 to his death in Weinsberg.
In 2006 Kerner was the 8th most planted variety in Germany with 4,004
hectares (9,890 acres) and 3.9% of the total vineyard surface.
Kerner
is today widely grown in Germany, as well as parts of Austria, Switzerland, and
Italy (and to a much lesser extent in Canada, England, and even Japan). In the
U.S., however, almost all Kerner available for retail comes from the Valle
Isarco which follows the Isarco river up into the Alps in the Alto Adige region
of Italy
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Kerner
can yield very large crops, which can create thin, dilute wines but when properly
managed in the vineyard and if harvested at optimal maturity it can create
exotically perfumed wines that are golden straw yellow in color,
Kerner Grapes
offer up fresh
aromas of tropical fruits such as mango, pineapple and hints of fresh green
apple on the nose. On the palate they have a rich creamy texture with rich
fruity flavors of pears, citrus, apples, red currants, and apricots balanced by
good acidity and a riesling like hint of petrol on the finish
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