Dr Konstantin Frank Winery Brut
WHY WE LOVE IT
- This blend from the estate vineyards on Keuka Lake. These vineyards were planted by Willy Frank in the late 1970s with the sole purpose of producing sparkling wines.
- Three traditional champagne grapes are blended and aged Méthode Champenoise for at least 30 months.
- The grapes are hand harvested and very lightly pressed. 2% of the Pinot Noir was barrel fermented in French oak. Secondary fermentation took place in bottle for a minimum of 30 months in an historic underground cellar.
Varietal Composition: 55% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir, and 5% Pinot Meunie
Elaboration: The grapes were hand-picked into small 40kg crates with careful bunch selection in the vineyard. The whole cluster grapes were immediately pressed. From harvest to pressing, extreme care is used in handling the grapes to avoid any excessive crushing or bruising. Only the first most delicate pressing, called the Cuvée, is used. The base wine was bottled the following Spring after harvest.
Secondary fermentation took place in bottle as per the traditional Méthode Champenoise. The wine was left in bottle with the lees for a minimum of 30 months in the underground cellar at Chateau Frank. Each bottle is individually disgorged, corked, crowned, and labeled by hand. The month of disgorgement is listed on the back of each bottle.
Tasting Notes: Sophisticated and elegant, the aromas jump out of the glass expressing baked red apple, ginger, lemon curd, wildflowers, apricot, and biscuit notes. Bright lemon-driven acidity and very fine mousse leave a creamy mouthfeel with exquisite length.
PRESS
2019 – 91 Decanter
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
Konstantin Frank was born on July 4, 1899, and made his first wine at age 15. In 1930, he earned a Ph.D. in Viticulture from Odessa, Ukraine, and became a leading expert in his field throughout Eastern Europe, experimenting with cold-resistant rootstocks.
Having survived two World Wars and the Russian Revolution, Dr. Frank and his family immigrated to New York in 1951 at age 52 with empty pockets and no knowledge of English. Eventually, he found a special property in the Finger Lakes region, perfect for his vines. With decades of knowledge and experience, Dr. Frank successfully planted the first European grape varieties in the Eastern United States.
In 1962, he founded Vinifera Wine Cellars, which quickly earned a reputation for spectacular Rieslings and sparked an interest in classic European grape varieties. His vision, knowledge, and determination are credited with elevating the New York wine industry to the respectable position it holds today. Many of his original vines are still in production and represent some of the oldest vines in America.
On October 7, 1967, more than two hundred wine enthusiasts gathered at Dr. Frank’s home to organize the American Wine Society (AWS) with Dr. Konstantin Frank as its founder. Today, there are more than 120 chapters.