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Decanter: New York State Sparkling wines to try
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.
November 23, 2021
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.
Jerry Smith’s entry to our old-vine writing competition is about an acre of 53-year-old Riesling named after Eugenia Frank.
Our 2020 Rkatsiteli was named the August Wine of the Month by Dave Sit and the Finger Lakes Times with a score of 93 Points.
A good way to start your vineyard touring is at Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery on the western banks. This is where the Finger Lakes went through a “vinifera revolution” as they call it. In 1957 that Dr. Frank, a Ph.D. in plant sciences, planted the European varieties (Vitis vinifera) against nearly everyone’s advice.
Established in 1962 and fourth-generation family owned, Dr. Konstantin Frank Wines features over 40 bottles, including chardonnay riesling, pinot gris, brut rosé, and grüner veltliner, with new varietals planted over the years by generations of the Frank family.
As one of the most historic vineyards in the eastern United States, Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery offers a perfect date destination for couples. For its romantic setting and high-quality wines that allow couples to connect and relax, Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery has earned our Editor’s Choice Award.
In just a few decades, riesling has become the unofficial grape of New York’s Finger Lakes region. Since 1957, local winemaker Dr. Konstantin Frank (and the subsequent four generations of the Frank family) have been working wonders with the fruit at their winery on Keuka Lake.
I knew this was must-visit wine tour during our Finger Lakes getaway. With beautiful views of Keuka Lake, this progressive tasting will take you through the history of the winery, explore their current innovations with winemaking, and spotlight the women the of the Frank family.
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