Why You Need Kerner in Your Life

When I tell people that I am pouring them a Kerner, more often than not, they think I've said Gruner (as in the German varietal Gruner Veltliner). Most wine consumers, even the most dedicated connoisseurs, have never heard of Kerner. We first fell in love with the varietal when we tasted one from the Alto Adige region of Italy. It was bright with acid, had beautiful minerality and depth, and was unlike anything we’d ever tasted. We decided then and there that we needed more Kerner in our life!

The first vintage of LOCALISM Kerner was in 2016 when we were able to source a little over a ton of fruit from the Mokelumne Glen Vineyard in Lodi, a wine-growing region approximately 65 miles east of Napa Valley. The wine was an immediate hit and has become one of our most loved wines.

ABOUT KERNER

Kerner is named after the German physician, poet, and wine enthusiast Justinus Kerner. The varietal originated in Germany, by crossing the Trollinger and Riesling grapes. The goal was to create something more adaptable to the region’s harsh climate. While generally thriving in colder areas (Kerner is grown in Northern Italy and Hokkaido Japan, as well as others), the Mokelumne Glen Vineyard poses an ideal environment for the vines. The grapes are grown on the east side of the property, on a slope that borders the Mokelumne River. It is one of the only sources of the rare Kerner grape in California.

The soil type in this area is Tokay sandy loam. Its structure is deep, fertile yet, porous and slightly alkaline consisting of finely crushed granite accumulated over millions of years of run-off from the Sierra Nevada mountains. This helps maintain vibrant acidity in grapes cultivated in a Mediterranean setting. Proximity to the river helps to balance and moderate the vineyard’s climate.

Why you need Kerner in your life:

1. It’s super unique! Ditch the usual wine suspects and be the only one at the dinner party to bring something that no one else has heard of.

2. It’s delicious! The wine boasts aromas of peach and honeysuckle flower, layered with hints of beeswax and a whiff of tangerine rind. It’s bright, fresh, and crisp with vibrant acidity.

3. It’s versatile! The subtle flavors complement a variety of foods like seafood (think shrimp, oysters, and sushi), but we also like to bring it out at Thanksgiving.

4. Low in alcohol! In general, Kerner’s alcohol percentage is on the lower side. This is a great option to have on hand for guests who want this type of selection.

5. Expand your palate! In trying something new, you are expanding your wine knowledge and appreciation for lesser-known varieties. The world of wine is huge, so get started with something fun and different like Kerner.

Pairing Possibilities

Although Kerner is often appreciated on its own, below are two dishes whose flavor profiles are complemented and enhanced by a glass. Just click the images to access the recipes. Enjoy!

Purchase Kerner