'La Boutanche' Kerner 2017

This Kerner comes from Weingut Knauss in Strümpfelbach, a village in the Remstal sub-region of Württemberg, southern Germany. The vineyards sit at 300–400 meters elevation on a layered mix of Gipskeuper, Mergel, Schilfsandstein, and Stubensandstein soils — sedimentary formations that keep yields in check and push mineral tension into the wine. The estate covers 14 hectares farmed under certified organic viticulture, with grapes harvested by hand.

Kerner is a crossing of Trollinger and Riesling, bred in 1929 in Lauffen, Württemberg. It shares Riesling's aromatic intensity and high acidity but tends toward a slightly fuller body and more pronounced floral character. At Knauss, it is fermented with native yeasts and raised entirely in stainless steel, bottled dry and without fining or filtration.

La Boutanche is a collaboration between Selection Massale and a handful of natural winemakers across Europe, aimed at producing low-intervention, everyday-drinking wines. Andi Knauss handles the German contributions. Natural fermentations and minimal sulfur are standard across his range, with some cuvées receiving none at all.