Castelfeder Kerner ‘Lahn’
August 22nd, 2026
Just south of the Austrian border, where the Alps meet northern Italy, Alto Adige is a region of striking contrasts. German and Italian cultures overlap here, as do Alpine and Mediterranean influences: steep mountain vineyards, abundant sunshine, cool nights, and a mix of soils come together for a place entirely its own.
Castelfeder, in the heart of South Tyrol's southernmost vineyards, is a family-run winery, focusing on the distinctive white wines of the region. Among them is Kerner, an unusual grape that feels perfectly at home in this high-altitude landscape. The cuvee "Lahn," meaning "avalanche" in the local dialect, is a reference to a historic avalanche in the mountains near the vineyards.
Kerner is a German-bred crossing of Trollinger (Schiava) and Riesling, named after the German poet Justinus Kerner. Castelfeder’s vines are planted at nearly 3,000 feet above sea level, where warm days and cool Alpine nights help the grapes develop intense aromatics while holding onto plenty of acidity and freshness.
On the nose, expect tropical citrus and floral aromas layered over melon, papaya, and lime. Silky and medium-bodied on the palate, it has a juicy acidity that keeps everything lifted and energetic, with notes of kiwi, mango, tart stone fruit, and a subtle mineral character.
If you're looking for something beyond the usual Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling, this wine is worth exploring. It has the aromatic character and expressive fruit that make those varieties so appealing, but with a distinctly Alpine edge.
