Region: Finger Lakes, New York

Varietal: 100% Rkatsiteli

Tasting notes: A Georgian grape variety that dates back to 3000 B.C. and the oldest known grape variety in the world. 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.

Producer: Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery is the pioneer of the Eastern United States’ vinifera movement. Situated on the southwestern hills of Keuka Lake, it was here in 1957 that Dr. Konstantin Frank planted the first vinifera vines in the Eastern United States and ignited the “Vinifera Revolution”. This movement would forever change the course of winemaking in New York. Four generations strong, the Frank family are leaders of grape growing and winemaking throughout the Finger Lakes.

Vineyard and Winemaking: Dr. Konstantin Frank fell in love with a special property on Keuka Lake for its exceptional characteristics – shale-based soils and steep slopes. With decades of knowledge and experience, he successfully planted the first European grape varieties on this vineyard in 1958. Many of these Riesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir vines are still in production to this day and they represent some of the oldest vines in America.