Dornfelder

This is a bottle of varietal Dornfelder from the Pflaz, which we tasted at the non-Riesling German Wine Dinner some time ago. Dornfelder was crossed by August Herold in 195 and received varietal protection in 1979. The result of a cross between Helfensteiner and Heroldrebe (both crosses by Herold in earlier times) it gained popularity in Germany because it performs well uinder conditions better suited to white grape growing. Easier to grow than Pinot Noir, more rot resistant than Portugieser, with stronger stalks than Trollinger and earlier ripening then Lemberger, Dornfelder achieves higher must weights and produces dark wines with good acidity and the ability to benefit from oak aging. Deep ruby with a slightly sweet fruity nose, the above wine was off-dry with a touch of fruit on the palate. A sweet acid backbone held everything together.