Description
A German dark-skinned varietal named after one of the 19th century founders of the school of viticulture at Weinsberg, Immanuel Dornfeld. Created in 1955 as a cross of two Vitis vinifera of Frühburgunder/Pinot Noir and Trollinger and Heroldrebe, Dornfelder was developed as a blending variety to add color to the pale red wines of Germany. On the banks of the Mokelumne River in Lodi, Mokelumne Glen Vineyards grows 52 rare German and Austrian varietals. Very few acres are devoted to Dornfelder plantings in California, but remarkably, it is grown in England, the Czech Republic, Brazil, and even Hokkaido, Japan. Sunce’s second consecutive vintage of Dornfelder is 100% varietal, and laden with baking spices, cardamom and boysenberry, opening to hints of rhubarb and black fig with an opposing rose petal essence. Though its deep scarlet tones and alluring aromas signal a possible rich full body character, it’s quite light on its feet with a weightless elegance on the palate. Fret not, however, as this has fooled even our most wine-savvy visitors. This fruity but cleanly acidic wonder allows fun and creative food pairings. Try it with sushi, Hawaiian pizza, Kung Pao Chicken, tuna casserole, fish and chips or any mid-week blue plate special. For cheese, think Camembert, blue cheese, and Irish cheddar.
