Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery Dry Riesling
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery Dry Riesling is a classic dry style of Riesling made from vines dating back to 1958 from both estate vineyard sites.
- Riesling was first brought to the Finger Lakes by Dr. Konstantin Frank. Those original vines are still in production.
- Soils for this Riesling are shallow, shale-based which add minerality, acidity, and elegance.
Varietal Composition: 100% Riesling
Elaboration: De-Stemmed. Direct Press. Fermented in Stainless Steel. Temperature Controlled. Unoaked fermentation. 5 months Lees aging.
Tasting Notes: Delicate and elegant, harmonizing lime zest, granny smith apples, and mineral stoniness from the Keuka vineyards with fresh citrus and nectarine from the Seneca vineyards. The zingy freshness brings energy, brightness, and persistence.
PRESS
2021 – 91 James Suckling | 90 Wine Enthusiast
2019 – 90 James Suckling
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.