This grape variety, named after the Latin word for lady, lady or mistress, is a cross between Blauer Portugieser and Pinot Noir. Peter Morio and Bernhard Husfeld were responsible for this in 1927. The Domina received its final approval in 1974, and since then it has been planted on a modest scale, so that today there are around 400 hectares in production, the majority of which are in Franconia. The Domina is particularly characterized by its resistance to vine diseases and viruses and therefore produces remarkable results in good years. In character it is more similar to Pinot Noir than Blauer Portugieser. However, it cannot achieve the finesse and depth of Pinot Noir, but it has a dense, intense and almost opaque color. With its pronounced cherry-berry fruit and good tannin structure, it is also well suited for expansion and maturation in barriques. It can also give a cuvée structure, strength and fullness. Some winemakers also develop the Domina with a slight residual sweetness.
