You probably know that Champagne is a wine region in France, famous for making the best sparkling wines in the world. But are all Champagnes from France? And what is the meaning of the term “Méthode Champenoise,” found in so many sparkling wine labels from around the world?

95 Points on the 2017 Blanc de Blanc, 92 Points on the 2017 Brut, and 91 Points on the 2017 Blanc de Noirs from Charles Curtis MW.

After World War II, there was a growing interest in drier, European-style wines in the United States, but no such grapes were grown in the Finger Lakes until Dr. Konstantin Frank, a Ukrainian viticulturist, relocated to Cornell University’s Geneva Experiment Station in 1953 and began planting European varieties. Dr. Frank had written his PhD thesis on cold-climate growing techniques of Vitis vinifera and ultimately proved that common grapes could be grown in the region with proper grafting and care.

This bracing white wine is one of my perennial favorites from the Finger Lakes. Dr. Frank pioneered European vinifera grape varieties in the Eastern United States. Still family-owned, the winery is now in the hands of Dr. Frank’s grandson, Frederic, and great-granddaughter, Meaghan Frank.

With the Dr Konstantin Frank Winery gearing up for its 60th anniversary next year and heading into its 2021 harvest, we look at the techniques behind its flagship wine…

One of the most popular wineries in the Finger Lakes, this Dry Riesling is a balanced and tropical dry white wine with fresh acidity and excellent persistence with hints of citrus. But beyond the crispness, there’s a unique subtle creaminess that will keep you reaching for a second taste.