Kerner
Also known as: Kerner W
Kerner
Quick Facts
- Berry Color: Green-yellow
- Skin Thickness: Medium
- Ripening: Early to mid-season
- Vigor: Moderate
- Yield: High
- Created: 1929 (August Herold, Weinsberg)
- Parentage: Trollinger (Schiava) × Riesling
Overview
Kerner is one of Germany’s most successful grape crossings, created by crossing the red variety Trollinger with Riesling to produce a variety with Riesling-like character but earlier ripening and higher yields. Named after the 19th-century Swabian poet Justinus Kerner, the variety produces aromatic white wines with floral, citrus character and good acidity. While never matching Riesling’s prestige, Kerner has found success in cooler German regions and Alto Adige, where it produces quality wines. For enologists, Kerner represents important study in successful crossing programs and cool-climate aromatic wine production.
Etymology and History
Name Origin
Kerner: Named after Justinus Kerner
Who: 19th-century Swabian poet and physician
Creation
Year: 1929
Breeder: August Herold
Location: Weinsberg research station
Parents: Trollinger (red) × Riesling (white)
Development
- 1929: Cross made
- 1969: Official variety registration
- 1970s-1980s: Significant expansion
- Present: Minor but established variety
Viticulture
Vine Characteristics
Growth Habit: Moderate; upright
Leaf Shape: Medium
Cluster: Medium; compact
Berry: Small to medium; round
Growing Requirements
Climate: Cool; German continental
Soil Preference: Various; adaptable
Training: German systems
Frost Resistance: Good (better than Riesling)
Phenological Stages
| Stage | Timing |
|---|---|
| Bud break | Mid-April |
| Flowering | Early June |
| Véraison | Early August |
| Harvest | Mid-late September |
Advantages Over Riesling
Ripening: Earlier (important in cool climates)
Yield: Higher
Frost Resistance: Better
Trade-off: Less complex
Wine Profile
Appearance
- Color: Pale straw
- Intensity: Light
- Evolution: Best young
Aromatic Profile
Primary Aromas:
- Citrus (lemon, grapefruit)
- Floral (elderflower)
- Stone fruit (peach, apricot)
- Green apple
- Mineral
Character: Aromatic; Riesling-like but simpler
Palate Characteristics
Structure:
- Light to medium body
- Good acidity
- Fresh, vibrant
- Slight muscat note (sometimes)
Texture: Crisp; fresh
Finish: Medium; citrus
Regional Expressions
Germany
Pfalz: Significant plantings
Rheinhessen: Major producer
Mosel: Some quality examples
Württemberg: Traditional home
Alto Adige (Italy)
Status: Quality plantings
Style: Aromatic; alpine freshness
Character: Excellent expressions
Winemaking Considerations
Fermentation
Temperature: Cool (14-16°C)
Duration: Standard
Vessel: Stainless steel
Goal: Preserve aromatics
Style Range
Dry: Most common
Off-Dry: Traditional German style
Prädikat: Various sweetness levels
Oak Usage
Typical: None (aromatic preservation)
Comparison with Riesling
| Characteristic | Kerner | Riesling |
|---|---|---|
| Ripening | Earlier | Later |
| Yield | Higher | Lower |
| Aromatics | Good | Complex |
| Aging | Limited | Excellent |
| Prestige | Low | High |
Position
Not Replacement: Cannot substitute Riesling
Alternative: Different market segment
Value: Good quality for price
Food Pairing
Matches
Cuisine:
- Fresh seafood
- Light Asian dishes
- Asparagus
- Light poultry
Temperature: Well-chilled (8-10°C)
Key Producers
Germany
Various quality estates
Cooperatives: Significant production
Alto Adige
Various South Tyrolean producers
Market Position
Production Statistics
German Plantings: ~3,000 hectares
Trend: Stable to declining
Pricing
| Level | Price (€) |
|---|---|
| Entry | €6-10 |
| Quality | €10-18 |
Market Position
Role: Mid-market; everyday wine
Challenge: Riesling competition
The Crossing Success
Achievements
Objectives Met: Earlier ripening; higher yield
Bonus: Quality potential
Limitation: Cannot match Riesling complexity
Legacy
Status: Established variety
Importance: Cool climate viticulture
Conclusion
Kerner represents a successful attempt to create a Riesling-like variety with practical viticultural advantages, producing aromatic wines with good acidity and fresh character. For enologists, Kerner demonstrates both the possibilities and limitations of crossing programs—achieving ripeness and yield goals while acknowledging that complexity remains Riesling’s domain. While never achieving star status, Kerner fulfills a valuable role in German viticulture, producing quality wines that offer Riesling character at accessible prices. Its success in Alto Adige also shows the variety’s adaptability to different cool-climate contexts.
References
- Robinson, J., Harding, J., & Vouillamoz, J. (2012). “Wine Grapes.” Ecco/HarperCollins. Publisher Link
- Deutsches Weininstitut. Documentation.
- VIVC Database. Variety Information.
Last updated: January 13, 2026