NOLADrinks Show – 5-10-18 – Barbara Frank of Dr. Konstantin Frank Wines and the Beer Guys – Matt and Sal

On this edition of The NOLADrinks Show with Bryan Dias, we chat with Barbara Frank of Dr. Konstantin Frank Wines. We discuss their program and sample some of their terrific wines made in the Finger Lakes region of New York. Next up, we talk with Matt Horney and Sal Mortillaro – our resident beer experts. Both are certified beer judges and Matt is the brewmaster at Old Rail Brewing Company. We talk seasonal brews, contrasting styles of IPA’s, mead, and much more!

Pictured above from left – Bryan Dias of NOLADrinks, Matt Horney of Old Rail Brewing Co., and Sal Mortillaro, certified beer and mead judge.

NOLADrinks Show – 5-10-18 – Barbara Frank of Dr. Konstantin Frank Wines and the Beer Guys – Matt and Sal

We start things off running down this week’s show and also mention a couple events going on around town. One to note – “Church Ladies: An Art Show and Fundraiser” benefiting brain cancer research.

In our first interview, we welcome Barbara Frank (pictured at left) of Dr. Konstantin Frank Wines. Barbara is the consulting winemaker, brand ambassador, and the granddaughter of the winery’s founder, Dr. Konstantin Frank. We discuss the story of the winery as well as some conversation on their region – the Finger Lakes area of New York. Wines have been made there for years, but the region is garnering increased attention in broader circles due to the efforts of wineries like Dr. Frank.

We taste several of their wines including their dry Riesling and their Cabernet Franc. All are very food friendly, varietally correct, and quite delicious! Thanks to Calen Morgan of Martin Wine Cellar Mandeville for hosting us at the shop for this chat!

Next up, we welcome back our “beer correspondents,” Matt Horney and Sal Mortillaro. Matt is the brewmaster of Old Rail Brewing Co. located in Old Mandeville where we taped this portion of the show. Both Sal and Matt are certified beer judges with the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) and Sal recently became the first certified mead judge in the state of Louisiana.

We discuss seasonal beers –  things that are nice to drink as we approach the warm summer months (it’s hot here already…) We also discuss the contrasting styles of West Coast and New England IPA’s with a chat on how chlorides and sulfates in the water play a big role in the overall taste profile of these beers. Sal shares a couple interesting meads that we also sample and discuss. We talk about some things Matt has in the works at Old Rail. We mention the upcoming charity event benefitting the St. Tammany Humane Society, “The 7th Annual Larry Hartzog’s Twisted Brew Festival and Homebrew Contest” or “Larry Fest” for short. The event features numerous home brewed and commercially made beers, food, and live music.

Below the map that shows the location of Dr. Konstantin Frank Wines, Martin Wine Cellar Mandeville, and Old Rail Brewing Co., you can subscribe to, stream, and download The NOLADrinks Show with Bryan Dias podcast…

Cheers, You All!

~ Bryan