Dr. Konstantin Frank Semi-Dry Riesling 2010

Born on the western slopes of Keuka Lake, where warm days and cool nights enhance the ideal site for growing Riesling grapes, this wine was brought to fruition in the cellars of the Dr. Frank winery. It has a light, floral bouquet and delicious fruitiness. The initial sweetness is balanced by some acidity. While it would be enjoyable with seafood or poultry, it would also be good with Pacific Rim cuisine.

Founded in 1962, the vineyard is led by the third generation, Fredrick Frank and Eric Voltz. The winery has a reputation for spectacular Rieslings and this one continues in the tradition! It was served at a state luncheon hosted by The Vice President and Dr. Biden and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in honor of Her Excellency Dr. Angela Merkel, Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany. A light yellow wine, it has aromas of pear, lemon and basil, flavors of juicy pear, Granny Smith apple, peach and mango, medium body, a hint of sweetness and a juicy, round finish. A perfect accompaniment to Thai, Hunan or Indian food, it would be delicious with barbecued chicken, or while watching the sun set on a summer evening.

Everyone has heard about the German Rieslings. Well, New York is definitely on the way up and Dr. Frank's 1998 Semi-Dry Johannisberg Riesling is one of the best. This wine has all the characteristics that make up a great Riesling; citrus fruits like apple and apricot, and a strong finish. A great wine to have with your Easter ham.

A recent issue of "The Riesling Report," concerning the age ability of fine Riesling, cited examples of Dr Frank wines as "still showing excellent structure and surprising elegance" for vintages going back to 1962. Dr. Frank's Rieslings have also won the Deinhard Trophy as "The Best Riesling in the New World" two years in a row. The 2000 Semi-Dry Johannisberg Riesling continues the longstanding tradition of quality. The wine opens up with a pleasant nose of spring flowers that carry over on to the tongue and combine with mineral flavors and spice kissed by just a touch of sweetness. Enjoy this multi-gold medal winning wine on a warm summer evening, alone or with a spicy oriental dish.

MacIntosh apple and spice notes, just off-dry, with a juicy finish that lingers nicely. Drink now.

This opens with a rich scent of peaches and lemon curd. The flavors are generous, with a firm finish and the freshness for herb-crusted pork loin.

With all the rising stars of the Finger Lakes, it can get regrettably too easy to overlook the long established wineries of the New York wine industry. Dr. Konstantin Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars has garnered a reputation as one of the best wineries on the East Coast because of a commitment to making high quality wine and the pioneering belief in New York's ability to grow world class European grape varieties.