Published by Jeremy.
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Kerner is an interesting white grape that was bred in 1929 and is a crossing between Riesling and Trollinger. Grown in cooler climates, this one is often found in Germany, Austira, Switzerland, and northern Italy- the latter where we found Abbazia di Novacella's Kerner from Alto Adige.
For those who like a white wine with light phenolic textures, this is one to seek out!
Kerner is an Aromatic, Flavorful White
This Kerner was pale gold in color with medium(+) aromas of pear, yellow apple, melon, grapefruit, lychee, beeswax, honeysuckle, and white blossom.
On the palate it was dry with high acidity and alcohol, full body, and medium(+) flavor intensity and finish. We found flavor notes of lemon, nectarine, pear, pineapple, grapefruit, honeysuckle, peach, wet stone, saline, and a light phenolic texture best described as a waxiness.
We always love a bit of texture in a wine, and this one worked out quite nicely with the range of flavors!
Kerner Food Pairing – Tomato, Mushroom, and Corn Ragu
We paired this intense white wine with a ragu with tomato, mushroom, and corner which highlighted more of the tropical notes like pineapple and grapefruit. The texture was mellowed ever-so-slightly but was still prominent which we found quite pleasing.
Between the acidity of the tomatoes and the richness of the mushrooms, this was a solid pairing all around!
Score: 4 / 5
We'd buy another bottle of this one.
Overall, Kerner was a surprisingly flavorful grape that we look forward to trying more of. Between a strong intensity of flavor and a light textural note that we love in a white, we'd drink this bottle again!
Abbazia di Novacella is located in Novacella, Italy. We purchased this bottle on Wine.com and enjoyed it in 2023.
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