The Wine Reference🍷 SupportDornfelder grape
Dornfelder is a red grape known for black cherry, plum, spice. Its best-known homes are Germany.
Origin and history
A German crossing bred in 1955 by August Herold at the Weinsberg research institute, from Helfensteiner and Heroldrebe, named after Immanuel Dornfeld, founder of Württemberg's wine school.
Where it grows
Pfalz, Rheinhessen and Württemberg in Germany, with smaller plantings in England, Switzerland and the United States.
Structure
Medium body, deep inky colour, soft tannins and fresh acidity; made both fruity and off-dry, or dry and oak-aged.
Aromas, young and aged
Young: black cherry, plum, blackberry, elderberry and violet. With age: dried plum, spice and vanilla (when oaked).
Ageing
Most drink within 1–4 years; barrique-aged examples can age 5–8 years.
Good to know
Released in 1979, it quickly became Germany's second most planted red after Spätburgunder, thanks to its colour and reliable yields.
Similar red grapes
Explore all grapes in the interactive guide
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