Methode champenoise sparkling wine made with vinifera is set to celebrate 30 years in the Finger Lakes and its origins are at Chateau Frank. The sparkling wine affiliate of Dr. Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars is set to celebrate its 30th Anniversary this year. Chateau Frank was started by Willy Frank, son of Dr. Konstantin Frank in 1985.
Like Konstantin Frank, Willy was a Finger Lakes wine pioneer. Willy's dream was to make méthode champenoise sparkling wine from vinifera grapes in the Finger Lakes. At the time (early 1980's), the Finger Lakes was not making méthode champenoise from vinifera. In 1982, Willy purchased a beautiful stone home complete with a cellar ideal for sparkling wine production and set out to make methode champenoise sparkling wine using the three traditional champagne grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. In 1985, Willy released his first vintage and since then Chateau Frank has become one of the most prestigious sparkling brands in New York State.
Chateau Frank plans to release a couple of 30th anniversary commemorative sparkling wines this year. In addition, an upscale 30th Anniversary Sparkling Soirée is planned for July 5, 2015 on the grounds of beautiful Chateau Frank. Tickets for the event will be very limited.
The first ever full biography about the life of Dr. Konstantin Frank will be released in June 2015 and the book contains a large section about Willy Frank and Chateau Frank. Author, Tom Russ will be doing several book signings at the winery in the coming months in conjunction with the 30th Anniversary of Chateau Frank as well.
Chateau Frank was placed on the National Registry of Historic Places this year, and the timing could not be better. The Chateau Frank property was built in 1886 by Philip Argus, a German immigrant and was at one time the Western New York Wine Company until prohibition. The property has a long history of winemaking in the Finger Lakes and signage commemorating its historical status will be placed on the road in front of Chateau Frank at the July anniversary event.
Located on Keuka Lake a few miles north of Hammondsport, Chateau Frank has been an important part of the New York wine revolution. While Dr. Konstantin Frank pioneered growing the noble European grape varieties in New York, Willy Frank spearheaded New York's sparkling wine revolution using traditional methods and classic grapes. Chateau Frank's award winning sparkling wines have been served at the White House, New York's Governor's Mansion and more.
For more information, please contact Frederick Frank at (800) 320-0735 or visit the website at www.drfrankwines.com.
