Kerner

This grape adds tropical fruit notes to varietal wines. Although it is not widely known, Kerner can add amazing flavor to wine. It is an aromatic white wine grape that is large in size with a light-green skin colour. Its origins come from Germany where it was bred in 1929 by crossing Riesling and Trollinger. The grape is named after Justinus Kerner, a 19th century German poet who often wrote about wine. Kerner can now be found in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, England, Japan and Canada.
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Kerner grape

Kerner often produces a transparent yellow to golden hued wine. The grape has a pronounced aroma of tropical fruits. The wine is medium to full bodied, it has firm structure and is often compared to its parent grape Riesling. Often aged because of its acidity, Kerner has an elegant and finessed finish. It’s often used to make varietal wines, which have rich flavours of apple, pear, citrus and stone fruit.

Kerner is one of the most popular hybrid grapes created in Germany, many growers find Kerner attractive because it’s not particularly fussy about growing conditions. In Canada, this grape can be found in British Columbia and throughout Ontario. Serve chilled for the best experience. Enjoy Kerner on it’s own or pair with white fish, grilled chicken or quiche.

In summary, Kerner has the following characteristics:

Aromatic white wine grape
Light green skin colour
Origins come from Germany
Cross between Riesling and Trollinger
Named after poet Justinus Kerner
Grown in Austria, Germany Switzerland, Italy, England, Japan and Canada
Transparent yellow to golden hue
Pronounced aroma of mixed white and tropical fruit
Medium to full bodied wine
Not fussy about growing conditions
Pair with white fish, grilled chicken or quiche

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is Kerner wine, and how is it different from Riesling?

A: Kerner is an aromatic white grape originally bred in Germany from Riesling and Trollinger. In the glass, it can feel Riesling-like for acidity and freshness, but it often leans a bit rounder and more tropical. Think apple, pear, citrus, and sometimes peachy stone fruit.

Q: Is Kerner dry or sweet?

A: Kerner can be made in a dry to off-dry style, so it depends on the producer. A quick clue is the flavour balance, dry versions feel crisp and zesty, off-dry versions taste fruitier and slightly softer. If you are sweetness-sensitive, look for notes like “crisp” and “bright,” and serve it well chilled.

Q: What does Kerner taste like in Canadian versions?

A: Canadian Kerner typically shows clean orchard fruit like apple and pear, plus citrus and a hint of tropical fruit. It is medium to fuller-bodied for a white, with a firm, refreshing backbone from acidity. If you usually like Pinot Gris or Riesling, Kerner is an easy next step.

Q: What food pairs best with Kerner?

A: Kerner is great with lighter mains and anything that likes a squeeze of lemon, like white fish, grilled chicken, and quiche. It also works nicely with sushi, scallops, or a simple roast chicken dinner. Serve it chilled, and it will feel even more focused and refreshing.

Q: Is Kerner a “hybrid” grape, and does that mean it tastes different?

A: Kerner is sometimes grouped with hybrids in casual conversation, but it is actually a cross created from two Vitis vinifera parents, Riesling and Trollinger. “Hybrid” does not automatically mean weird or sweet, it mainly speaks to how the grape was bred and how it grows. What matters in your glass is the style, Kerner is typically aromatic, structured, and very food-friendly.