Domaine du Centaure Saturnales Kerner de Dardagny Switzerland 2021

The Ramu family of Domaine du Centaure prides itself on the legacy of innovation that their estate has brought to the town of Dardagny, Switzerland.  Whether it is early advancements in vine training, experimental new varietals, or unparalleled estate production and bottling techniques, the Ramus are always pushing the envelope to improve the quality of their vineyards and wines. Next in line and currently leading winemaking and vineyard practices is Julien Ramu.  Centuries of knowledge are passed down from generation to generation, sharing the secrets to success for the family's 18 hectares from father to son.  Julien's stamp on the Domaine du Centaure timeline will surely be memorable.

Domaine du Centaure's influence on the wine world of Dardagny dates back to the 1930s when Edmond Ramu, Julien's great-grandfather, made a significant impact by planting Pinot Noir and Gamay grapes on the family estate.  This was followed by another groundbreaking move in 1955 when Edmond's son Charles expanded the vineyards with Aligote, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, and Muscat. These varietals, now considered mainstream, were relatively unknown outside of Switzerland and Germany at the time.  Charles' wines introduced traditional Swiss varietals to a broader audience and showcased the potential of Dardagny's terroir.

Continuing their tradition of innovation, the Ramus produce a 100% Kerner de Dardagny wine, a varietal created in the late 1920s.  This esoteric grape, a cross-pollination of Riesling and the lesser-known Schiava Grossa (aka Trollinger), is a winemaker's dream.  It adapts well to various soil types and environments, boasts higher yields, and buds later in the season, minimizing the risk of Spring frost.  Similar to its dominant parent grape Riesling, Kerner is characterized by its high acidity, making it a versatile food pairing and capable of aging for 5-10 years. 

Tropical aromas of guava and mango chutney fill the nose, complementing gooseberry, lemon tart, and pear flavors.   A delightfully bright backbone of acidity emphasizes the fruit-forward nature of the wine and livens the textured palate.  This Kerner is a fantastic accompaniment to a night of spicy Thai food take-out or fresh seafood.