Dr. Konstantin Frank, Finger Lakes (New York) Chardonnay 2019

 It’s hard to wrap one’s head around the fact that the New York’s Finger Lakes region has become such a big deal in such a relatively short time and is today producing truly world-class wines.  Pioneering vintner Doctor Konstantin Frank planted his first vines here in 1958 and established his winery in 1962.  Today the estate produces a variety of wines from exemplary sparkling options to killer Riesling and a host of other whites as well as Pinot Noir and even some Merlot.  This Chardonnay (like most wine from the Finger Lakes) is distinctly a cool climate wine, which means that it is not aggressively fruity or alcoholic (12.9% alcohol in this case).  It is more subtle than most Chardonnay from warmer climates and is manifestly dry, with delicate fruit flavors and assertive acidity on the finish.  Pairing it with the right food (shrimp, roasted salmon, trout, brown rice) highlights those fruit flavors and underscores the bracing acidity.