‘Shine’ Dornfelder SWEET RED QbA 2011

Region: Rheinhessen, Germany

Varietal: 100% Dornfelder Dornfelder was a result of a series of crossings by August Herold at the breeding institute in Weins- berg in 1955 and was released for cultivation in 1979. Since then, Dornfelder has grown to be the second most widely planted red grape in Germany due to the fact that it is easier to grow than Spätburgunder (); has better resistance to rot than Blauer Portug- ieser; has stronger stalks than Torollinger; ripens earlier than Lemberger and achieves higher must weights and produces a with deeper color, more powerful fl avors and richer tannins than any of the above variet- ies. In short, it is a perfect grape for the cool, sometimes damp northerly climate of Germany.

Vineyard: Heinz Eifel ‘Shine’ Dornfelder grows in the biggest ger- man Wine Growing area: Rheinhessen. The Wine Es- tate of Christian Spohr, the son-in-law of Heinz Eifel, is based in Abenheim which is part of Worms, one of the oldest cities in Germany. Christian has control over the entire process – from the vine to bottle.

2011 : 2011 was a diffi cult year for the vintners. Especially in the Rheinhessen area where May frosts cut yields dra- matically. This natural low , though bad for farmers in terms of quantities, was outstanding for consumers in terms of quality with grape sugar concentration lev- els averaging about 10° Oeschle (greater than 2 Brix) more than usual!

Flavor: The refl ection of the sun’s rays off the Rhein river help to ripen these hearty red , thus producing a full bodied wine with fl avors of dark red fruits with a well balanced sweetness.

Food Affi nity: Enjoy slightly chilled on its own or with cheeses, salads pasta and fi sh.

Alcohol: 9.5 % RS: 45 g/l TA: 5.5 g/l

Background: Heinz Eifel is a brand of German that are crafted from the highest quality grapes processed with only the most modern standards, techniques and technology.

UPC: 0 89832 91009 1