Founded in 1154 by Augustine monks high up in the Val Isarco near the Austrian border, the Abbey at Novacella is most certainly Italy’s and quite possibly one of the world’s oldest active wineries. Kerner is a cross between Riesling and Schiava which was created in 1929 at a German research centre and named after a 19th-century doctor famed for his songwriting.
It has a Riesling-like character with notes of peaches, apricots and tangerines on the nose. It is very lively, juicy and sleek on the palate with a mineral-rich finish.
90/100 & #70 Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2023 (2022 Vintage)
"This light-on-its-feet white is dry, tangy and orangey, with blood orange granita, orange blossoms and juicy tangerine acidity accented by hints of fresh tarragon and salty mineral. Drink now."
93/100 Jeff Porter, Wine Enthusiast, January 2023 (2022 Vintage)
"Lemon and lime zest mixed with fresh green herbs, lemongrass and wildflowers leap out of the glass of this zippy and beautiful Kerner. Energetic on the palate, the wine doubles down on the lemon and lime note, with more savoury herbal notes showing up on the finish."
91/100 James Suckling (2022 Vintage)
"Fresh lemons, green apples, white grapefruit and lime blossom on the nose. Hints of herbs. So fresh, with a medium body, bright acidity and super clean, crisp finish. Drink now."