Dornfelder is a dark-skinned variety of red grape of German origin. It was developed in the mid-20th century by crossing the grape varieties Helfensteiner and Heroldrebe. Dornfelder has a deep, dark color, and it is known for its rich, fruity aromas and flavors that often reflect cherries, blackberries, and other dark fruits, sometimes even spicy or smoky notes.
Dornfelder is mainly grown in Germany where it is the second most planted red grape variety. It produces wines that are often consumed young. They can be made in a light, Beaujolais style, but also in more oak-aged, full-bodied versions. Furthermore, Dornfelder has a good natural acidity and tannin structure making it suitable for sweetness balance. This means its wines can range from dry to quite sweet.
Though it's mostly known in Germany, Dornfelder has also found some success in other parts of the world, including the United States and the United Kingdom.
