Finger Lakes Wine of the Week:
2009 Chateau Frank Blanc de Noirs
By Nicholas Baldwin
Too hot outside to drink a red wine? Or a semi-sweet Riesling? Time to think bubbles. Where red and white fail to please the palate, sparkling wines are a sure bet. Heaviness and richness are no match or the effervescent and silky sparkling wines from the Finger Lakes. There are many styles being produced here in the region, but Chateau Frank, the sparkling wine label of Dr. Konstantin Frank Vinifera Wine Cellar, sticks to the traditions of Champagne, France. Their current release, the 2009 Blanc de Noirs, is a beautiful 100-percent Pinot Noir representation of Keuka Lake’s finest work.
With the previous vintages paving the path of success, the 2009 has already received many awards, including two “Best of Class” awards and two Gold Medals from various competitions, as well as a Double Gold/91-point rating from the Ultimate Wine Competition. It has a creamy mousse created by the very tiny active bubbles at the top of every glass giving it aromas of vanilla, kiwi, lemon meringue pie, cooked sweet apples and caramel toffee candies. It has a very slight pink lemon hue, and a smooth body with every sip. The finish is long but leaves your palate feeling lightweight and refreshed. A perfect way to change up your summer wine choices and beat the heat.
Nicholas Baldwin has worked in the wine and spirits business for more than 12 years and traveled the world visiting vineyards. He holds numerous wine certifications.
For more of Nicholas Baldwin’s wine tasting notes, click here.
If you’re a Finger Lakes wine producer and would like to submit wines for consideration, please contact Nicholas Baldwin at nick@nicholasbaldwin.com.
