What a beautiful day. Looking at this photo of Dr. Konstantin Frank’s vineyard I can almost feel the cool, lake breeze coming in on what was one of the “dog days of summer”.
A few weeks ago, my family decided to go for a casual tasting at Dr. Konstantin Frank’s winery in Hammondsport, NY. Due to current circumstances, we had to schedule the tasting online. The winery accommodated us the next day.
We weren’t sure what to expect. Each tasting was just our group, and we felt the experience was safe and fun at the same time.
Our sommelier gave us a history of Dr. Konstantin Frank and how he worked his way from immigrating to the U.S. in 1951, to becoming the “Father of Vinifera” in the Finger Lakes region and beyond. Dr. Frank had received his Ph.D. in viticulture from his time spent in Europe, and applied his research of growing European vinifera vines in cold climates to successfully produce European varieties of wines.
It felt like an added bonus to learn more about the history of Dr. Konstantin Frank’s winery. Now, to the part I know you’re waiting for, the wine tasting!
There were 3 different tasting stations set up when we went on a Tuesday afternoon. We were able to choose 5 different wines to taste from a list of 15. Two wines stood out for me, their 2018 Gewurztraminer and 2018 Gruner Veltliner.
One of the featured taste groupings was dubbed, “The Vinifera Revolution”. I selected a 2018 Gewurztraminer which translates to, ‘spicy Traminer‘. Dr. Frank’s describes this wine as, “delicate on the nose, with white flowers, orange zest, and lychee, with a touch of white pepper and ginger.” It was delicious and will definitely be going on my Frequently Sipped list.
Another wine we tried that day was from the, “Old Vines Make Great Wine” grouping. I selected the 2018 Gruner Veltliner, which was fruity, and went down easily. Dr. Frank’s describes it as having the flavors of, “…candied lemon zest, bright citrus, crisp red apple, light stone fruit and a dominate undertone of slate and mineral aromas.”
If I were at home drinking these, I would pair the 2018 Gewurztraminer with either fish tacos or a smoky Gouda. The 2018 Gruner Veltliner would go well with some melty brie and French bread. It was a wonderful experience spent tasting at this winery, and I can’t wait to get back soon. If you’re looking to book a tasting at Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery, I would highly recommend it!
Training Wheel Wine 