Everything About Dornfelder Grape
"DORN-fel-der" 
Dornfelder Description
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.
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.
Body
Sweetness
Tannin
Acidity
Alcohol
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.
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.
Regions
![[object Object] Region](/regions/germany.png)
Germany
•Rheinhessen
•Pfalz
•Württemberg
•Baden
![[object Object] Region](/regions/united_kingdom.png)
United Kingdom
•England
![[object Object] Region](/regions/united_states.png)
United States
•California
Notable Wines and Producers
Weingut Knipser Dornfelder Trocken
•Weingut Knipser
Weingut Anselmann Dornfelder Classic
•Weingut Anselmann
Denbies Wine Estate Dornfelder
•Denbies Wine Estate
Dornfelder FAQ
Weinsberg, Württemberg, Germany
Dornfelder has a body level of 4 out of 5. Which means that Dornfelder is Moderate to Full bodied.
Dornfelder has a dryness level of 1 out of 5. Which means that Dornfelder is Dry.
Weinsberg, Württemberg, Germany
Dornfelder is grown in Germany (Rheinhessen, Pfalz, Württemberg, Baden)United Kingdom (England)United States (California).
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.
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.
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.