Dr Konstantin Frank Winery Pinot Noir
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Planted in 1958 by founder, Dr Konstantin Frank, representing the 2nd oldest Pinot Noir vines in America. Includes the original Pinot Noir vines planted in 1958 by founder, Dr Konstantin Frank, representing the 2nd oldest Pinot Noir vines in America.
- The grapes for this Pinot Noir are a blend of vineyard sites on Keuka and Seneca Lakes.
- Vineyards on Keuka are shallow, shale-based soils which adds minerality, acidity, and elegance.
- The Seneca vineyard is located in Hector, NY in the warmest mesoclimate in the Finger Lakes known as the ‘Banana Belt’. Pinot Noir was planted here in 2016. 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% Pinot Noir
Elaboration: The grapes are de-stemmed and spend several days cold soaking. They are kept in an open-Top Stainless Steel, temperature controlled vessel. Traditional fermentation is used and the wine undergoes twice-daily pumpovers. It spends 16 months aging in French Oak. 25% new oak.
Tasting Notes: Powerfully and rich offering dark plums and macerated cherries woven with earthiness, leather, and subtle oak notes. Silken yet mineral texture evolving into a complex, long lasting finish.
PRESS
n/a
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.