Dornfelder
Dornfelder is a vibrant German red grape variety, bred in Weinsberg, Württemberg in the mid-1950s by August Herold. Originally developed to add richer color to Germany’s typically pale reds, it has since become the second most widely planted red grape in the country.
With its thick skins and high pigmentation, Dornfelder delivers deep, ruby-black hues and a distinctive presence in the glass. It typically offers medium to full body, moderate acidity, and smooth but structured tannins, balanced by lush fruit flavours—think sour cherry, blackberry, plum, occasionally lifted by floral violet or spice notes.
Depending on style, Dornfelder can be bright and fruity when youthful or elegant and layered when matured in oak. It’s food-friendly too: pairs beautifully with hearty roasts, game, grilled pork, and a variety of cheeses, making it a versatile match across the table.
Melbury Vale Virtue (6 Bottles) Shaftesbury, Dorset, England
UK MAINLAND SHIPPING INCLUDED
English rosé comes from grapes that grow at a property Melbury Vale co-manages locally. The breakdown is about 80% Dornfelder grapes, with the remaining 20% coming from a traditionally German variety called Reichensteiner. Both varieties of grapes ripen very well in the cool Dorset climate, producing crisp approachable dry wines. Reichensteiner is a light, floral grape that is perfect for blending. Dornfelder is also a German variety that is being widely planted in the UK for it’s beautiful red berry flavors. Dornfelder in rosé form has bright confectionary strawberry aromas and has bright red summer berries on the palate. The co-ferment of the Dornfelder and Reich gives us a sip of British summertime in a glass. With both berries and summer flowers, this is an extremely versatile wine that can pair with a wide range of foods and cuisines.
Food Pairings: Try this one with anything from local shellfish and crab to meats fresh off the BBQ. It can pair with everything from spicy foods you’d typically think to pair with a crisp white wine, all the way to roasted meats you would traditionally pair with a red wine. Rosé is just red wine in a pink dress, after all.