Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery Semi-Dry Riesling
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery Semi-Dry Riesling is a classic dry style of Riesling made from vines dating back to 1958.
- This semi-dry Riesling comes from both estate vineyard sites, Seneca and Keuka.
- Soils for this Riesling are shallow, shale-based which add minerality, acidity, and elegance.
Varietal Composition: 100% Riesling
Elaboration: The grapes are de-Stemmed. Direct Press. Aged in stainless steel vessels in a temperature controlled environment. Traditional fermentation. No malolactic fermentation. Semi-Dry with 2.8% residual sugar.
Tasting Notes: Delicate at first then tropically ripe, brimming with apricot, nectarine and a touch of pineapple. Lemon citrus and acacia blossom balance the sweetness effortlessly.
PRESS
2020 – 91 James Suckling | 90 Wine Enthusiast
2019 – 90 Wine Advocate | 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.