Dr. Konstantin Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars won Winery of the Year at this week's Indy International Wine Competition, a tribute to consistent quality across the board. Dr. Frank wines won 2 "Concordance" medals (equivalent to Double Gold, requiring unanimity among the judges), 1 Gold, 7 Silver, and 1 Bronze, with sparkling wine producer Chateau Frank adding 4 Silvers to the stash. In addition, New York wineries won a total of 122 awards including 16 Concordance (Double Gold), 23 Gold, 62 Silver, and 21 Bronze, with several of the top wines in the final "Sweepstakes" round.
Concordance (Double Gold) awards went to 21 Brix 2013 Thirsty Elephant and 2013 Riesling; Dr. Frank 2012 Sauvignon Blanc and 2013 Gewurztraminer; Goose Watch Diamond Sparkling Wine, Snow Goose, and 2013 Viognier; Hector Wine Company 2012 Gewurztraminer; Liberty Vineyards Reds, Whites, & Blues, and 2013 Pinot Grigio; Seneca Shore Pinot Gris; Thirsty Owl 2013 Traminette; Torrey Ridge Blue Sapphire; Wagner Vineyards 2012 Riesling and 2012 Riesling Caywood East Vineyard; and Wort Hog Cidery Hard Cider.
Gold medals went to 21 Brix 2013 Ellatawba, 2013 Riesling, and 2013 Chardonnay; Belhurst 2013 Riesling; Dr. Frank 2013 Riesling; Earle Estate Blueberry; Fulkerson 2013 Gruner Veltliner; Goose Watch Classic Cream Sherry; Lakewood Vineyards 2011 Blanc de Noir 25th Anniversary, 2013 Gewurztraminer, 2013 Valvin Muscat, and 2013 Vignoles; Liberty Vineyards Fredonia, and 2013 Pinot Grigio; Seneca Shore Pinot Gris; Silver Spring Red Blend; Swedish Hill Naturel Sparkling Wine, 2013 Blue Waters Riesling, and 2013 Cayuga White; Thirsty Owl 2013 Vidal Blanc and 2013 Gewurztraminer; Torrey Ridge Diamond; Wagner 2012 Riesling; William Vigne 2013 Juicy Sweet Riesling; Wort Hog Cidery Big Jake's Spiced Hard Cidery and Cherrry Hard Cider/Porky's Pleasure.
Held at Purdue University, chaired by Dr. Christian Butzke and organized by Jill Blume (who will soon judge at our New York Wine & Food Classic), "Indy" included more than 2,200 wines from 14 countries and 40 states, and a large group of judges (including yours truly) to evaluate them.
Next up is our own New York Wine & Food Classic on August 12 & 13. Stay tuned. |