Dawn Felder Dornfelder 2020

If you’ve yet to try many German wines, you’re in for a real treat with this exciting new release. Made from Germany’s Dornfelder grape, Dawn Felder is a playfully named wine that personifies this classic red variety.

What’s the deal with Dornfelder? It’s the second most-planted red grape in Germany (after Pinot Noir) and thrives in the Rheinhessen region, where it’s the #1 red. The grapes have thick skins and red flesh, which give the wines beautifully deep colors. Yet the flavor profiles stay lively and vibrant, meaning Dornfelder is a lovely alternative to Pinot Noir, Gamay and other elegant reds.

Don’t be intimidated by the German terms on the label: Qualitätswein simply means the wine was produced under stricter standards than typical table wine, while Trocken tells you that the wine is dry (not sweet). What’s it taste like? Absolutely delicious, with expressive violet aromas plus ripe plum, blackberry, cherry and bubblegum flavors.

Our Germany expert, Samuel, describes Dornfelder as “the ultimate picnic red.” It’s a great solo sipper and very food friendly, too. Feel free to pair it with anything from cured meats and cheeses to pizza, pork or turkey.

Country	Germany
Varietal	Dornfelder
Region	Rheinhessen QbA
Alcohol	12.5%
Volume	750ml
Vintage	2020