Dornfelder
Dornfelder shines a deep violet in the glass and whets the appetite from the very first sip: juicy aromas of cherries, blackberries, and elderberries , a velvety palate with mild tannins, and sometimes a seductive hint of chocolate. Sometimes fruity and uncomplicated for everyday enjoyment, sometimes aged in barriques with spicy depth – this grape variety is anything but one-dimensional.
A German grape variety developed in 1955, Dornfelder has established itself firmly in the Rheinhessen and Palatinate regions . At Vinoscout, you'll discover 15 carefully selected wines of this variety – from a relaxed everyday wine to accompany pizza and pasta, to a characterful wine to complement game and roasts, starting from just €4.44.
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Rosé Trophy Deutschland 2024
Awarded by Falstaff
Falstaff Bewertung 2023
Awarded by Falstaff
Other grape varieties
Dornfelder – the dark seducer from German vineyards
Powerful, fruity, unmistakable: Dornfelder is one of Germany's most popular red grape varieties – and rightly so. What began in 1955 as a targeted new breed at the Weinsberg Viticulture School has developed into a true crowd favorite. At Vinoscout, you will discover a carefully curated selection of 15 Dornfelder wines, from fruity-light to powerful barrel-aged – the right choice for every occasion and every taste. Simply order your favorite Dornfelder online now!
Origin and home: The Palatinate as the heartland of Dornfelder
Dornfelder is a cross between the Helfensteiner and Heroldrebe grape varieties and was developed specifically for the German climate. It thrives particularly magnificently in the Palatinate – one of the warmest and sunniest wine regions in Germany. It is no wonder, then, that all the wineries in our range – including Wachtenburg Winzer, A. Diehl, Lergenmüller, Weingut Hammel & Cie, and Karl Pfaffmann – produce their Dornfelder wines in the Palatinate. The deep soils and the mild climate of the region give the Dornfelder its characteristic depth and ripeness.
Flavor profile: Dark, fruity, versatile
What makes the Dornfelder so special is its exceptionally deep, ruby-red to purple color – hardly any other German red wine variety brings so much color to the glass. On the palate, it varies greatly depending on how it is aged:
- Fruity-light and fruit-sweet: Aromas of ripe cherries, blackberries, and blueberries, pleasantly soft and accessible – ideal for beginners and anyone looking for uncomplicated drinking pleasure. A good example from our range is the A. Diehl Dornfelder eins zu eins fruchtsüß (7.25 euros).
- Dry and full of character: Aged with little residual sugar, the Dornfelder unfolds spicy notes of dark berries, plums, and a hint of violet. The Lergenmüller Urgewalt Dornfelder trocken (9.50 euros) represents this powerful side of the grape variety.
- Barrel-aged: Aged in oak barrels, the Dornfelder gains additional complexity: vanilla, roasted aromas, and velvety tannins make it a serious red wine with depth. The Wachtenburg Premium Dornfelder Eichenholzfass (8.80 euros) impressively shows what this variety is capable of.
- As a Rosé: Dornfelder is excellently suited for rosé vinification. The Markus Pfaffmann Dornfelder Rosé trocken (6.90 euros) and the Hammel & Cie Der mit dem Rosé tanzt trocken (9.85 euros) prove how elegant and fresh the variety can be as a rosé.
Food recommendations: Dornfelder at the table
The versatility of the Dornfelder makes it a grateful companion at the table. Dry, more powerful varieties harmonize wonderfully with grilled meat, hearty braised dishes, game ragout, or mature cheese. Lighter, fruity, or semi-dry Dornfelders go well with pasta with tomato sauce, pizza, antipasti, or simply as a sociable wine for an evening on the terrace. The rosé versions are ideal companions for salads, light poultry, or as an aperitif on warm summer days.
Buying advice: Which Dornfelder suits you?
Our range offers Dornfelder wines from 4.44 euros to 13.44 euros – so you will find both the perfect everyday wine and a slightly more special bottle for your next evening with friends. If you are looking for an uncomplicated, affordable entry point, go for the Wachtenburg Dornfelder lieblich Winzerstolz (4.44 euros) or the Wachtenburg Dornfelder Burg Linie trocken (5.40 euros). If you want more structure and depth, the Lergenmüller Urgewalt or the Wachtenburg Premium Eichenholzfass are the best choices. And if you want to stock up: the Wachenheimer Dornfelder trocken from Wachtenburg Winzer is conveniently also available in a 1.0-liter format (5.45 euros).
Browse through our selection now and let yourself be convinced by the dark fruit and character of the Dornfelder – we look forward to delivering the right wine to your home.