W3 Wine School

Kerner (Germany)

Kerner is a German crossing between red Trollinger and white Riesling.

Kerner Flavors

Kerner has clean aromas of White and Tropical Fruit, delicate Moscat notes, with hints of Red Currants, Acasia Flowers, Herbs, and Rocky Minerals.

Citrus
Citrus
Pear
Pear
Peach
Peach
Mango
Mango
Currants
Currants
Flowers
Flowers
Herbs
Herbs
Minerals
Minerals

Kerner Profile

Compared to Riesling, Kerner has milder acidity and more body:

SUGAR:Dry 3g/l
BODY:Medium
FRUIT:Medium
ACIDITY:Medium - High
ALCOHOL:12-13% ABV
Temperature Serving temperature:
10-12°C (50-54°F)

Kerner Food Pairing

Kerner is an all-round wine, but pairs best with light dishes and vegetables. It is alo an ideal aperitif.

Aperitif
Aperitif
Antipasti
Antipasti
Vegetables
Vegetables
Pasta
Pasta
Fish
Fish
Chicken
Chicken
Turkey
Turkey
Soft Cheese
Soft Cheese

Excellent Pairings

Fish. Seafood Pasta.
Light Poltry. Chicken. Turkey.
Light White Meat. Veal. Pork.
Grilled Poltry. Grilled White Meat.
Spicy Asian. Thai Green Curry.
Chinese. Sweet and Sour.

Cheeses

Soft Cheese.
Cheese Soufflé.

German Specialities

Onion Tart.
Grilled Garlic Chicken.

The Ideal Glass for Kerner

The Sauvignon Blanc glass is smaller than a Chardonnay glass.

It has a more narrow bowl to concentrate the crisp and citrusy aromas characteristic of zesty and fruity white wines.

Kerner Cheese Pairing

Opt for cheeses with moderate saltiness and creaminess to balance the Kerner's acidity.

Add fruits (grapes, apples, pears), nuts (almonds, walnuts), or a light drizzle of honey to enhance the pairing.

Fresh and Mild Cheeses

Goat Cheese (Chèvre): The tanginess complements the subtle fruit notes in Kerner.

Ricotta: Especially good if served with a drizzle of honey or fresh fruits.

Mozzarella: Its delicate flavor pairs well with the wine's lightness.

Soft Cheeses

Brie: The creamy texture and mild flavor work beautifully with Kerner.

Camembert: Similar to Brie but with slightly more earthiness.

Fontina: Its nutty, buttery qualities make a good match.

Semi-Hard Cheeses

Gruyère: Mildly nutty and sweet, enhancing the wine's subtlety.

Manchego: A classic Spanish pairing, especially younger Manchego, which is less intense.

Asiago: Lightly aged Asiago adds a complementary tang to the cheese.

Blue Cheeses (for contrast)

Gorgonzola Dolce: Its mild creaminess contrasts nicely without overpowering the wine.

If You Like Kerner

You May Also Like:

Altesse (France)
Arneis (Italy)
Chenin Blanc Dry (France)
Douro Branco (Portugal)
Etna Bianco (Italy)
Falangina (Italy)
Fiano (Italy)
Kerner (Germany)
Riesling (Alsace, France)
Rousette (France)
Roupeiro (Portugal)
Vermentino (Italy)
Verdicchio (Italy)

About Kerner

The Kerner grape was bred in 1929 by August Herold, when he crossed red Trollinger (aka Schiava) with white Riesling.

In Germany, Kerner is often used in blends. It is mostly planted in Pfalz, Rheinhessen, Mosel, and Württemberg. It is also widely planted in Italy (Alto Adige), Austria, and Switzerland.


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