As some of you may already know, yesterday I received a very generous shipment from Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery in New York. Lugging the 23 pound box to my apartment, my insides gurgling with excitement, I wasting no time getting into my apartment and ripping open the package. Reading through the list of the wine included my eyes scanned over 8 wines. 8 wines!
As a service to Katie Cornelius and Fred Frank, I am featuring Dr. Konstantin Frank wines all this week. But before any food is made, I just want to take a minute to tell you a little about the winery.
Overview:
History
Fleeing a destruction ridden Europe during World War II, Dr. Konstantin Frank decided to uproot his family to America. After a short spurt working as a dish washer in New York City the Frank family moved upstate, where Dr. Frank worked for the Gold Seal Vineyard until he started Vinifera Wine Cellars in 1962.
Determined to grow vinifera (pure) wines of northern Europe, Dr. Frank helped transform New York from a sweet wine producer of only a few dozen vineyards, to a multimillion-dollar industry of fine wines, currently with over 200 vineyards state wide.
Handed down from generation to generation, Dr. Konstantin Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars is still family owned and operated to this day by Dr. Frank’s grandson, Fredrick Frank.
Location
On the west banks of the Finger Lakes, Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery is located at 9749 Middle Road in Hammondsport, New York, about 1 hour and 45 minutes south east of Rochester. The winery is open daily, year round.
Publicity
Dr. Frank winery has been featured on NBC’s Today Show, and ABC’s Good Morning America, and written about in Time Magazine, and The New York Times. Dr. Frank was listed as the “greatest wine producer in the Atlantic Northeast” for 5 years running by the Wine Report, and have had multiple double gold wines from various nation-wide competitions.
Wines
Originally having only one label, Dr. Konstantin Frank now boasts three: Dr. Konstantin Frank (1962), estate grown vinifera grapes, Chateau Frank (1980’s), specializing in sparkling wines, and Salmon Run (1993), more affordable wines produced with viniferas from nearby vineyards.
The wines I get to choose from are from the Dr. Konstantin Frank and Salmon Run labels:
2008 Dr. Konstantin Frank Cabernet Franc
Described as having notes of roasted red pepper and prune, this Cabernet Franc rests on the palate with subtle tannins and ends with a smooth, long finish.
2007 Dr. Konstantin Frank Rkatsiteli
Pronounced rah-KAT-see-TELL-ee, this wine, native to Russia and Georgia, is now the second most planted white grape after Spain’s Airén. Dr. Frank’s boasts flower, herb, and typical spicy aromas, with a crisp acidity, and a fruit forward flavor.
2007 Dr. Konstantin Frank Dry Riesling
Given a rating of 93 points from Wine & Spirits, this dry Riesling is described as having, crisp acidity, a pronounced minerality, and notes of mango, citrus, and pear blossom.
2007 Dr. Konstantin Frank Gewürztraminer
With an array of aromas—grapefruit, lime, lychee, banana, and spice, this Gewürztraminer starts with honey and ends with a slatey finish, characteristic of Dr. Frank’s vineyards.
2008 Dr. Konstantin Frank Semi Dry Riesling
Sending out a bouquet of flowers and pears, this crisp semi dry Riesling, coats the palate with citrus and peach, before ending with a fruity finish.
2008 Salmon Run Rkatsiteli
Completely fermented in stainless steel to capture characteristics of tropical melon, this Rkatsiteli presents both tropical and traditional notes, with an elegant dryness.
2008 Salmon Run Chardonnay Riesling
49% Chardonnay and 51% Riesling, this blend strikes the nose with plum, melon, citrus, and hazelnut, coats the palate with a creamy texture, and holds out with a lingering finish.
2008 Salmon Run Pinot Grigio
With a goal of producing a traditional tasting Italian Pinot Grigio, this wine begins with delicate honeydew, lime, and lemon aromas, followed by tart green apple and gooseberry flavors.
Where to buy Dr. Konstantin Frank Wines
All Dr. Frank wines are available for purchase on their website at www.drfrankwines.com and are distributed in Illinois by Bon Vivant Distributing at www.bvdwines.com
Keep an eye out this week for two posts featuring Dr. Konstantin Frank wines!
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