Nals Margreid Fels Kerner 2021
Kerner is the mutant hybrid of the grape varieties Trollinger and Riesling. While it technically is from Germany, it thrives in the Northernmost part of Italy: Alto Adige. Just below Austria, this valley has historically been the gateway between Italy and the rest of Europe, which explains why most varieties/labels from this area have a decidedly “German” look and feel. The Alpine climate means mild summers and cool autumns, allowing for a longer growing season and later harvest.
Nals Margreid is a cooperative cellar that sits in the small village of Nals. The winery was founded in 1985 as a union of two well-established wineries (Cantine Nalles and Magre-Niclara), resulting in 165 hectares of responsibly farmed vineyards between 140 different growers. In the case of the Kerner, the grapes come from a small vineyard, Pitzon, which sits between 500 and 700 metres above sea level in the south-east of Nals with some of the best soil for growing Kerner (moraine soil=rock heavy).
This medium-bodied white has the crisp aromas of peach and jasmine while the palate is full of fresh apricot, mandarin and grapefruit flavours bound together by a smoky, mineral finish.
Get this wine if you want a Riesling-light. It’s predictably close to a classic dry Riesling. Though the differences may seem slight, the aromas and flavours of apricot and almond are much more prevalent while still maintaining the acidity and freshness. Pair with a Bauernfrühstück, the German/Italian breakfast-for-dinner you didn’t even know you wanted.