In Germany, the Spätburgunder is to red wine what the Riesling is to white wine: the cream of the crop.

Among new varieties, the Dornfelder shows great promise.

Although the name literally means "black Riesling," this variety is not at all related to the Riesling, but rather, it is an earlier-ripening mutation of the Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir).

A promising, and relatively new, red wine grape, Domina is a crossing of Portugieser and Spätburgunder that was bred at the Institute for Vine Breeding in Siebeldingen in the Pfalz.