Kerner is a crossbreed of Trollinger and White Riesling developed by the National Teaching and Research Institute in Weinsberg, Germany. The origin of its name is not quite clear: "Kerner" might be a reference to the pithy, robust (German kernig) character of the vine or the wine might have been named after a famous citizen of Weinsberg, the physician and celebrated poet Justinus Kerner.
Kerner is a hardy vine, resistant to both frost and disease. It is satisfied with moderately sunny sites and will grow well in any soil, but its characteristic aroma becomes best developed on low-carbonate marl and clay. In terms of quality, bouquet, and aroma, this is one of the best white crossbreeds, producing a light greenish wine similar to Renski Rizling but with a slight muscat bouquet. Regular-harvest Kerner is moderately rich in acids and will age well up to ten years - Kerner izbor will age longer and is particularly prized by connoisseurs. The hardy character of the vine and its grapes makes Kerner particularly suitable for suhi jagodni izbor, although the quantity is usually low.
Kerner is a relative newcomer to Slovenia - as all wines of German origin, it was first established in Podravje, particularly in the Maribor area. Excellent quality is also achieved in Smarje-Virstajn area of Posavje.
Kerner should be served at 8 - 10 °C (46.4 - 50 °F) with poached or grilled fish, veal dishes, lamb, or vegetable pasta.