Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery Gewurztraminer
WHY WE LOVE IT
- An exotic grape from vines dating back to 1968 made in a dry style.
- Gewürztraminer was planted in 2012 on one four-acre plot on our Seneca estate vineyard. Temperatures here are a few degrees warmer than Keuka thus providing riper fruit notes.
- Soils on Seneca are characterized by deep honeoye silt loam.
Varietal Composition: 100% Gewurztraminer
Elaboration: The grapes are de-Stemmed and have 12 hours of skin contact. The wine undergoes traditional fermentation. No Malolactic Fermentation. It is aged in stainless steel vessels in a temperature controlled environment. It spends 5-months lees aging.
Tasting Notes: Subtle and seductive on the nose with rose, apricots, and lychee, with a touch of white pepper and ginger. The rich palate is balanced with lively acidity and beautiful flavors of honeysuckle, orange blossom, cardamom, and lychee with a long exotic finish.
PRESS
2019 – 90 Wine Enthusiast
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.