Grape Varieties: Kerner

A cross between Riesling and Trollinger created in the 1920s in Germany, Kerner is grown in only a handful of English vineyards. This may be due to its slow ripening and dense, vigorous growth but advantages include its disease resistance, late budding (which therefore mitigates frost damage) and longevity in the bottle. In poor years it can make very acidic wines but recent English vintages, with their long ripening period, have suited it particularly well.

On the nose there are hints of Muscat and Riesling ‘petrol’ notes, although when young the nose is somewhat neutral. On the palate there are often flavours of stone fruit, floral and herbal qualities and notes of white pepper. The most noted exponents of this grape are Astley Vineyard, near Stourport-on-Severn in Worcestershire. Astley make a dry still and a sparkling wine from Kerner. Among other vineyards using this variety are Knightor in Cornwall and Sedlescombe Organic in East Sussex.