Winter 1998, Volume 8 Number 1

Best "New World" Riesling AGAIN

For Second Straight Year, Award Recognizes Best "New World" Riesling

For the second year in a row, a Riesling produced by Dr. Konstantin Frank's Vinifera Wine Cellars, located on Keuka Lake in New York's historic Finger Lakes wine region, has captured the prestigious Deinhard Trophy for "Best New World Riesling" at the 86th Annual World International Wine Competition (NWIWC). In its rise to the trophy, Dr. Frank's 1996 Semi-Dry Johannisberg Riesling also captured a Gold Medal and was named "Best of Class" at the recent competition, which show cased 1,978 entries from 23 states and 5 countries.

Willie and Fred Frank, Second and Third Generations

The Deinhard Trophy seems to have found a home at Vinifera Wine Cellars. In 1997, Dr. Frank's 1995 Johannisberg Riesling Ice Wine also topped all other Riesling entries at the NWIWC, which is open to every wine produced in the "New World" - including North America, Central America, South America, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. The competition is unique in that it is the only one in America to pit the best wines from different price categories against each other to determine an overall best of variety or type.

The NWIWC, which is one of the largest wine competitions in the United States, and its novel format are the brainchild of Jerry D. Mead, a highly respected syndicated wine columnist, publisher, and consultant.

The Finger Lakes is considered by many to be the finest Riesling-producing region in the United States-if not the world-and the picturesque area is often favorably compared with Germany's famous Rheingau. In the Finger Lakes, Rieslings develop appley, strawberry-like flavors, coupled with a crisp liveliness, and the area's climate also makes it one of the few places in the world ideal for producing magnificent late harvest and ice wines. Vinifera Wine Cellars has a long history of producing many styles of world class Rieslings. These wines have won top awards in national and international competitions, and have been served at the White House and at International Summit meetings. It is no wonder that Riesling has been called the "Wine of the Millennium" by Andrea Immer, the host of Quench, a food channel show on cable TV. Quench featured Dr. Frank's as the only American Riesling qualified to be compared to the finest Europeans.

Dr. Frank's 1995 Cabernet Sauvignon also brought home a Gold Medal from the New World competition. The Cabernet vineyards from which the wine was crafted are the oldest in the Eastern United States - planted by Dr. Konstantin Frank nearly 40 years ago in response to naysayers who felt the climate in the Finger Lakes was too harsh to allow the growth of Vinifera (European) grape varieties - especially red ones. The longevity of the vines and the quality of this wine once again prove that world-class Vinifera wines of all types can be produced in the Finger Lakes.

While the quantities of both wines are extremely limited, (they are sold out at the winery but may be available at some fine wine shops) this avalanche of awards bodes well for the newer vintages coming from the winery. Both of the 1997 Rieslings, Dry and Semi-Dry, have pedigree heritages that have given Dr. Frank's world-wide recognition. Look for them soon or they will be among the award winners that you have missed.

Excellent news from Chateau Frank: the 1991 Brut champagne was judged a Double Gold winner (requires a consensus vote) and Best Sparkling Wine at the New York Wine & Food Classic. It is truly deserving of its 4 - Star Rating by the current issue of Restaurant Wine. Previous vintages have been compared to Bollingers Grande Année ($60), Veuve Cliquot ($85) and Perrier-Jouët ($80).

The New York Times has stated that super premium bubblies, like Roederer Cristal and Krug Clos du Mesnil, which sell for over $100 a bottle, are greatly overpriced. However, they go on to say that Chateau Frank, made from the same Vinifera varietals, and by the same methode champenoise, is "excellent value for savvy customers." The pale, straw colored wine, with tiny, tightly strung bubbles, is an outstanding value. Why pay more?

For those who need a little sweetness in their life, the Chateau Frank Célèbre is available for the holidays. Now made by the traditional methode champenoise, Célèbre is an even "lovelier bubbly at an affordable price". Whatever the occasion, make it special with a Chateau Frank champagne or sparkling wine.

If you thought you missed our spring 1998 newsletter, don't despair. You were not dropped from the mailing list. A shortage of wines influenced our decision to delay publication until we had ample product to offer our customers.

We have been thrilled with the demand for our wines, but are quickly learning that success in the marketplace does come with a price. Increased call for Dr. Frank's and Chateau Frank wines in the Canadian market, along with our recent decision to extend distribution to Connecticut and Vermont (where our wines have generated much excitement) have depleted our inventories in short order. The remedy for this situation is, of course, to increase production to meet rising demand, to raise prices, or both.

The good news is we have chosen to expand and have built a new temperature controlled warehouse to hold the increased stock. The bad news (as you have read in other parts of this newsletter) is that rave reviews for our Rieslings, Pinot, and Chateau Frank champagnes have already resulted in another upsurge in orders, and we are already experiencing large empty spaces in our inventories.

The other good news/bad news story revolves around the 1998 harvest. In the Finger Lakes, we fared much better than our neighbors in California. On the West Coast the effects of El Niño were an extremely poor harvest and increased prices across the board. Here growers were much luckier with 1998 being a banner year. The long, dry summer yielded fruit of superb quality with intense varietal character. The lack of water was not detrimental to our old vines whose deep roots found plenty of moisture, but some of the younger plantings did suffer some drought stress - hopefully not long term. The only downside of the harvest, was its size - nearly 20% smaller than last year's crop. That means that our prices, too, will rise to reflect the loss of tonnage.

New York wines are coming of age, and our wines are appearing on the wine lists of more and more prestigious restaurants. In previous newsletters, I've discussed our successes in New York City. Now we can add to our accounts several restaurants in Toronto - including the "in" Jump Café where huge chalk boards suspended from the ceilings feature artistic renderings of Chateau Frank Brut and Dr. Frank's Salmon Run Chardonnay.

While it often seems easier to sell our wines in Canada, Sweden, or the "Big Apple" than to have them neglected in our own back yard, our products are making inroads locally: in Rochester - at Oak Hill Country Club and the Chatterbox Club - at Belhurst Castle in Geneva, and at Snug Harbor and the Village Tavern along Keuka Lake. Don't be shortchanged by restaurants that do not feature New York wines. Do yourself and us a favor. Next time you dine out ask for Dr. Frank wines and Chateau Frank champagnes.

As always, thank you very much for "Uncorking New York!" and Happy Holidays from all of us at Dr. Frank's and Chateau Frank.

Several excellent articles regarding the winery have appeared in various newspapers around the country since the publication of our last newsletter. We thought you would be interested in some of them.

The Meriden, CT Record Journal in its "Features" section in September, had a very prominent article entiled "Dr. Frank's Pinot Noir proven healthiest wine". It cited Dr. Creasy's (Cornell University) ongoing research into the resveratrol content of wines from around the world, noting how it would take 17,000 resveratrol pills, at a cost of $8,500.00, to equal the resveratrol content in one bottle of Dr. Frank's Fleur de Pinot Noir. Resveratrol, of course, is the anti-fungal substance found in grape skins, and is a major aid in combating heart disease. Dr. Frank wines are now available in Connecticut.

The Buffalo News presented an article in September on the wineries of the west side of Keuka Lake by Alan Littell, featuring not only Dr. Frank's Vinifera Wine Cellars, but a prominent picture of Willy Frank, seated on our terrace, with four bottles of our wines, enhanced by the scenic backdrop of our beautiful Keuka Lake. Mr. Littell's article appeared in syndication in the Asbury Park Press (NJ), the Denver Post, the Times News, the Grand Rapids Press, Orlando Sentinel and the Providence Sunday Journal. This was a truly national release.

We were visited in August by Lorrie Guttman, the food and wine writer for the Tallahassee Democrat of Florida. She had a complete tasting, and wrote a most flattering article upon her return to the Sunshine State. She was particularly enamored of our Rkatsiteli, and gave her readers a very lucid description of it.

Finally, just recently, the Wine & Spirits Annual Buying Guide listed its selection of the best 100 wine values of the year. Our 1997 Johannisberg Semi-Dry Riesling, the same wine that last year won the prestigious Deinhard Trophy, was included as one of the "Best 100", and given an 88 rating as an Exceptional Value. This is truly a remarkable achievement, and it was the only wine from the eastern United States so honored. The honor was duly noted by a feature article in the Corning (NY) Leader, again highlighting a picture of Willy Frank.

The Salmon Run wines from Dr. Frank's have struck gold. At the 1998 Indy International Wine Competition both the Salmon Run Chardonnay and the Riesling earned gold. The Salmon Run Chardonnay received a Double Gold Medal in the Indy competition. A light, fruity Chardonnay with a hint of oak, the Salmon Run Chardonnay also won a gold medal at the New York Wine & Food Classic. The Salmon Run Riesling with its off dry, peach flavors and cobalt blue bottle is a winner with both judges and consumers.

Both wines were featured at our Salmon Run Wine Festival this past June. Once again The Village Tavern Restaurant and Inn catered the event. Their sumptuous meal included Poached Salmon, Salmon Mousse and Salmon Run Fruitti de Mer. Our friends at North End Landing Marina in Branchport supplied the grand prize, a cruise on Keuka Lake. The weather was great; sunny, clear and not too warm to enjoy a glass of wine. All enjoyed themselves, including the staff. It was a great way to celebrate a Father's Day weekend. Mark your calender June 19 & 20th for next year.

The distribution of Dr. Frank's wines is growing! If you can't find our wines in your local wine shop or favorite restaurant, ask the owner or manager to contact one of our distributors: Eber Bros. Wine and Liquor Corp. (Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and Albany divisions), Paramount Brands (New York Metro area), Dalmation Bay (Cleveland, OH), United Distributing of Vermont (VT 802-773-4707), Fountainhead Wines (E Norwalk, CT 203-854-9138) and Seaboard Wine Warehouse (Raleigh, NC 919-831-0850). Our Canadian friends should contact the LCBO in the Toronto area for our wines.

PA residents! The vintage Chardonnay, #6678, is available in ALL Pennsylvania State Stores. This will make shopping for this award winning wine easier in your hometown. This makes nine Dr. Frank and Chateau Frank wines that are now available in PA State Stores and Speciality Stores. Also, the Fleur de Pinot Noir, #75126, is now available by special order.

If our wine is not available in your area, we can ship to you or your family and friends via UPS or other shipping companies - see the order page.

Due to legislation in Kentucky, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee and North Carolina, no sales may be delivered to these states. Please contact us for the latest shipping information. Call 800-320-0735.

In our last two newsletters, resveratrol (pronounced res VER a trawl) has been discussed in relation to the French Paradox - that red wine is good for one's health. Leading this research is Dr. Leroy Creasy of Cornell University. Resveratrol is a naturally occurring substance in grapes which has also been found to fight heart disease and cancer. Many scientific studies have indicated that resveratrol has significant cardio-protective benefits and more recent data indicate protection against cancer as well. Although resveratrol is found in some other plants, grapes and grape products, including wine, are the most common and effective source.

Professor Creasy's research has shown that New York red wines in general, and Dr. Frank's reds in particular, are high in resveratrol. While our Fleur de Pinot Noir scored the highest in the study, Dr. Frank's red wines, including our Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, also came in with high scores. In general our reds scored significantly higher than many California reds.

The latest study shows the wine industry is on to something good. Resveratrol tablets are now available in health food stores. It seems that the pharmaceutical industry knows a good thing when they see it. Professor Creasy purchased some of these tablets and analyzed them. He found that one bottle of Fleur de Pinot Noir has the same amount of resveratrol as 17,000 capsules of commercial resveratrol pills, a purchase of $8,500.

Before anyone calls their HMO about this savings, please remember that the health benefits of wine are based on moderate red wine consumption of 1-2 glasses per day with meals. Also, while the Fleur has the highest resveratrol concentration, Dr. Frank's vintage Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon also have significant amounts of resveratrol. But don't wait too long. Our red wines sell out quickly. Call 800-320-0735.