Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery Rkatsiteli
WHY WE LOVE IT
- A Georgian grape variety that dates back to 3000 B.C. and the oldest known grape variety in the world.
- The grape has a very strong resistance to cold winter conditions and retains high acidity even in the hottest summers.
- Dr. Konstantin Frank was the first to plant Rkatsiteli in the Finger Lakes during his experiments in the 1950s and 1960s.
- Under 10 acres of Rkatsiteli are planted on the Keuka Estate vineyards where the soils are are shallow, Mardin and Volusia silt loam with high shale content which adds minerality, acidity, and elegance.
- The vineyard is east-facing ranging from 980 ft to 1200 ft elevation and are at the deepest parts of Keuka Lake.
Varietal Composition: 100% Rkatsiteli
Elaboration: Vinification includes de-stemming and direct press. Traditional fermentation is used. No malolactic fermentation. The wine is aged in stainless steel vessels in a temperature controlled environment.
Tasting Notes: Elegant, aromatic, and tropical with apricot, passion fruit, pineapple, and honeydew with undertones of ginger, white pepper, and a touch of grassiness. A great alternative for Sauvignon Blanc drinkers.
PRESS
2021 – 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.