The UnCorker

2007 Kerner Abbazia di Novacella-Stiftkellerei Neustift

The very farthest Northern DOC in all of Italy, Valle Isarco is where Abbazia di Novacella or Stiftkelleri Neustift produces white german varietals at around 2000 feet in the foothills of the Dolomites- a rich cultural stew of Germanic, Italian, and Slavic produce an alpine culture with a love of rich foods and crisp white wines- and so what if there’s a tad bit of sweetness? Get over it- the wine is ripe, aromatic, and at 14%abv, there is’nt much in the way of residual sugar. Plus, Kerner’s an unusual grape, originally a German grape,  a cross between (Trollinger)Schiava, an indigenous red grape, and Riesling, and is named after a 19th century writer of drinking songs.

The 2007 Kerner from Abbazia di Novacella is a beaut- all stainless steel vinification, and boy does it show; crispy and clean with a precise aromas of white peaches, grapefruit and flowers. Medium on the palate, it strikes a lovely balance between powerful acidity/minerality and fruit. Bracing and best drunk young- impress your winegeek friends- drink Kerner.