Dornfelder is a red wine grape that is widely cultivated in Germany, particularly in the regions of Rheinhessen, Pfalz, and Baden. This grape variety was created in the 1950s by crossing two other grape varieties, Helfensteiner and Heroldrebe.
Dornfelder is known for its deep, dark color and intense fruit flavors. It produces wines that are rich and full-bodied, with notes of blackberries, cherries, and plums. The grape's high acidity and tannin levels give the wines a good structure and aging potential.
Quite an old-fashioned grape, Dornfelder is known to be extremely fruity and often made in a slightly gloopy style from conventional German producers, in our opinion. However, its big fruit is making some natural winemakers use it creatively and it is making a bit of a comeback - most notably with Frauenpower by Vin de la Gamba who uses it in the style of a German Lambrusco (and it works a treat).
