Dornfelder

Quick Facts

Berry Color: Blue-black
Skin Thickness: Thick
Ripening: Mid-season
Vigor: High
Yield: High
Created: 1955 (August Herold, Weinsberg)
Parentage: Helfensteiner × Heroldrebe

Overview

Dornfelder is Germany’s most successful red grape variety, created in 1955 at the Weinsberg research station by crossing two other German crossings. Originally bred for color (to deepen pale German reds in blending), Dornfelder proved capable of producing quality single-variety wines and has become Germany’s second most planted red grape after Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir). The variety produces deeply colored wines with forward fruit character, ranging from fresh, Beaujolais-style wines to serious, oak-aged expressions. For enologists, Dornfelder represents important study in successful variety creation and cool-climate red wine production.

Etymology and History

Name Origin

Dornfelder: Named after Immanuel Dornfeld

Who: Founder of Weinsberg viticulture school (19th century)

Creation

Year: 1955

Breeder: August Herold

Location: Staatliche Lehr- und Versuchsanstalt Weinsberg

Parents: Helfensteiner × Heroldrebe

Development

1955: Cross made
1979: Official variety registration
1980s-1990s: Rapid planting expansion
Present: Germany’s #2 red variety

Viticulture

Vine Characteristics

Growth Habit: Vigorous; productive

Leaf Shape: Large

Cluster: Large; loose to moderate

Berry: Medium-large; thick-skinned; deep color

Growing Requirements

Climate: Cool; German continental

Soil Preference: Various; adaptable

Training: Various German systems

Frost Resistance: Moderate

Phenological Stages

Stage	Timing
Bud break	Mid-April
Flowering	Early June
Véraison	Early August
Harvest	Late September-October

Advantages

Yield: High; reliable

Color: Deep (breeding purpose achieved)

Adaptability: Works in cool climates

Disease: Moderate resistance

Wine Profile

Appearance

Color: Deep purple to ruby (notably dark for Germany)
Intensity: Deep; concentrated
Purpose: Originally bred for color

Aromatic Profile

Primary Aromas:

Dark fruits (blackberry, cherry)
Red fruits (raspberry, strawberry)
Floral hints
Spice (light)

Character: Fruit-forward; accessible

Palate Characteristics

Structure:

Medium body
Soft tannins
Moderate acidity
Fruit-forward

Texture: Smooth; approachable

Finish: Medium; fruity

Wine Styles

Fresh/Fruity

Method: Early harvest; carbonic maceration hints

Character: Beaujolais-like; fresh

Serving: Slightly chilled

Market: Everyday wine

Oak-Aged

Method: Traditional; barrel aged

Character: More serious; structured

Market: Quality segment

Rosé/Weißherbst

Style: Pink wines from Dornfelder

Character: Fresh; fruity

Regional Expressions

Pfalz

Status: Major region

Style: Riper; fuller

Quality: Good to premium

Rheinhessen

Status: Largest producer

Style: Varied; volume to quality

Other German Regions

Württemberg: Traditional reds

Various: Widespread planting

England

Growing: Cool climate adaptation

Style: Fresh; light

Winemaking Considerations

Fermentation

Temperature: Cool to moderate

Duration: Standard

Style Choice: Fresh vs. structured

Fresh Style

Technique: Cool ferment; minimal maceration

Character: Fruit-forward; low tannin

Comparison: Beaujolais approach

Structured Style

Technique: Extended maceration; oak

Character: More serious; age-worthy

Market: Premium positioning

Oak Usage

Fresh Style: None

Structured: French/German oak

Duration: 6-18 months

Food Pairing

Fresh Style

Matches:

Charcuterie
Light meat dishes
Pizza, pasta
Casual dining

Temperature: Slightly chilled (14-16°C)

Structured Style

Matches:

Roast pork
Game birds
Aged cheese

Key Producers

Quality Leaders

Various Pfalz estates: Quality focus

Rheinhessen producers: Range of quality

Volume Producers

Cooperative wineries: Significant production

Market Position

Production Statistics

German Plantings: ~7,500 hectares

Ranking: #2 red (after Pinot Noir)

Trend: Stable; mature variety

Pricing

Level	Price (€)
Entry	€5-10
Quality	€10-20
Premium	€18-35

Market Position

Domestic: Strong German market

Export: Limited international profile

Image: German everyday red

Comparison with German Reds

Variety	Color	Body	Character
Dornfelder	Deep	Medium	Fruity
Spätburgunder	Medium	Light-medium	Complex
Portugieser	Light	Light	Simple
Lemberger	Deep	Medium-full	Structured

Success Factors

Why Dornfelder Works

Color: Solved German red wine color problem

Adaptability: Works in cool climate

Yield: Economically viable

Accessibility: Easy-drinking style

Breeding Achievement

Objective Met: Deep color achieved

Bonus: Quality wine potential

Legacy: Germany’s most successful crossing

Cool Climate Relevance

Adaptation

Strength: Ripens in German conditions

Result: Dark wine in cool climate

Significance: Important model

Climate Change

Observation: May need adjustments

Opportunity: Quality improvement potential

Conclusion

Dornfelder represents one of Germany’s most successful contributions to modern viticulture—a purpose-bred variety that achieved its color objective while demonstrating capacity for quality wine production. For enologists, Dornfelder offers important study in variety creation and the production of accessible red wines in cool climates. From fresh, Beaujolais-like wines to serious oak-aged expressions, Dornfelder proves that new varieties can establish themselves alongside historic grapes. While it may lack the prestige of Spätburgunder, Dornfelder’s reliability, productivity, and consumer appeal ensure its continued importance in German viticulture.

References

Robinson, J., Harding, J., & Vouillamoz, J. (2012). “Wine Grapes.” Ecco/HarperCollins. Publisher Link
Deutsches Weininstitut. Documentation.
VIVC Database. Variety Information.

Last updated: January 13, 2026