Grape Variety
Dornfelder
"DORN-fel-der"
Wine Styles
Sparkling
Light White
Full White
Aromatic
Rosé
Light Red
Medium Red
Full Red
DessertAbout Dornfelder
Origin
Weinsberg, Württemberg, Germany
History
Dornfelder is a dark-skinned grape variety of German origin, created in 1955 by August Herold at the grape breeding institute in Weinsberg, Württemberg. It is a cross between Helfensteiner and Heroldrebe, the latter also bred by Herold. Initially developed to improve the color of pale red wines, Dornfelder has gained popularity for its deep color and full-bodied character.
Appearance
Dark-skinned berries forming large, well-shaped clusters.
Growing Traits
Dornfelder is a prolific, relatively early ripener, producing wines far deeper in color than typical German reds. It is a robust, less susceptible grape variety; however, if given free rein, it tends to produce high yields. Many winegrowers reduce yields to enhance concentration and quality.
Wine Characteristics
Body
4/5
Sweetness
1/5
Tannin
3/5
Acidity
3/5
Alcohol
3/5
Medium to full-bodied with a deep, dark color and a harmonious balance of fruit and tannins. Typically dry, focusing on ripe fruit flavors with minimal residual sugar. Moderate tannin levels, providing structure and depth without being overly astringent. Moderate acidity, contributing to a balanced and approachable profile. Moderate alcohol content, typically ranging between 12% and 13.5%, ensuring balance and drinkability.
Taste Profile
Black Cherry
Blackberry
Plum
Violet
Spice
Dornfelder wines are characterized by deep dark color with violet reflections and intense fruit flavors, such as sour cherry, blackberry, and elderberry. Some wines are aged in large or small oak barrels (barriques), emphasizing the tannins and structure of the wine and toning down the fruit aromas. These are usually full-bodied, smooth, and harmonious wines.
Food Pairing
Dornfelder's rich fruit flavors and moderate tannins make it a versatile partner for various dishes. It pairs well with hearty roasts, game, or cheese. The powerful wines are suitable for hearty roasts, game, or cheese, whereas the lighter, more fruity wines match almost every situation.
Growing Regions
Germany
RheinhessenPfalzWürttembergBaden
United Kingdom
England
United States
California
Notable Wines & Producers
Weingut Knipser Dornfelder Trocken
Weingut Knipser
Weingut Anselmann Dornfelder Classic
Weingut Anselmann
Denbies Wine Estate Dornfelder
Denbies Wine Estate
Dornfelder FAQ
Common questions about this grape variety
What is the origin of Dornfelder?
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Weinsberg, Württemberg, Germany
Is Dornfelder wine full bodied?
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Dornfelder has a body level of 4 out of 5. Which means that Dornfelder is Moderate to Full bodied.
Is Dornfelder wine dry or sweet?
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Dornfelder has a dryness level of 1 out of 5. Which means that Dornfelder is Dry.
Where is Dornfelder wine from?
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Weinsberg, Württemberg, Germany
Where is Dornfelder grown?
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Dornfelder is grown in Germany (Rheinhessen, Pfalz, Württemberg, Baden)United Kingdom (England)United States (California).
What is Dornfelder like?
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Dornfelder wines are characterized by deep dark color with violet reflections and intense fruit flavors, such as sour cherry, blackberry, and elderberry. Some wines are aged in large or small oak barrels (barriques), emphasizing the tannins and structure of the wine and toning down the fruit aromas. These are usually full-bodied, smooth, and harmonious wines.
What does Dornfelder pair with?
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Dornfelder's rich fruit flavors and moderate tannins make it a versatile partner for various dishes. It pairs well with hearty roasts, game, or cheese. The powerful wines are suitable for hearty roasts, game, or cheese, whereas the lighter, more fruity wines match almost every situation.
What does Dornfelder taste like?
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Dornfelder wines are characterized by deep dark color with violet reflections and intense fruit flavors, such as sour cherry, blackberry, and elderberry. Some wines are aged in large or small oak barrels (barriques), emphasizing the tannins and structure of the wine and toning down the fruit aromas. These are usually full-bodied, smooth, and harmonious wines.
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