The Dornfelder is by far the most successful new breed in Germany in the red wine sector. From just 100 hectares in cultivation in the 1970s, it has increased to an incredible 8,000 hectares today, mainly in Rheinhessen and the Palatinate. The successful cross between Helfensteiner and Heroldrebe by August Herold in Weinsberg in 1956 has a short to medium-long ripening period and is surprisingly less susceptible to disease, extremely productive and intensive in growth, but clearly prefers locations that are not very susceptible to frost. It requires careful pruning and pruning, otherwise it tends to produce quite high yields, which leads to very average qualities. However, with conscientious work in the vineyard, extremely colorful, fruity-spicy wines can be produced from it, which are particularly popular among wine lovers because of their harmonious and velvety, but also fresh character. The best qualities are also suitable for aging in new small oak barrels. Outside Germany there are only very small plantings in Switzerland, the Czech Republic, California, Japan and Brazil.
