Klein Constantia, Vin de Constance Blanc, Constantia, South Africa, 2016

Overview of the Wine
Our estate was originally part of Simon van der Stel’s vast Constantia estate, granted in 1685. It then formed part of Groot Constantia until 1823, when the land was divided between the brothers Jacob Pieter and Johan Gerhard Cloete. The latter took ownership of the upper reaches, situated on the eastern slopes and foothills of the Constantiaberg, where there were already over 33,000 vines planted. He named this magnificent piece of land Klein Constantia.

Facing mostly south to east, and reaching up from 70 to 343 metres above sea level, our higher slopes are some of the coldest in the Cape, thanks to fewer sunlight hours and a constant breeze off the ocean, just 10 kilometres away.

Cooler temperatures result in an increase in concentration and flavour while preserving the acidity and pH of our white varieties, most especially Sauvignon Blanc. They also create the ideal growing conditions for Muscat de Frontignan, used to make our natural sweet dessert wine, Vin de Constance. As the berries are able to ripen fully before raisining begins, they are able to produce raisined fruit with remarkable intensity of flavour as well as natural acidity.

Our soils originate from granite formed up to 600 million years ago and can be divided mainly between deep fertile Oakleaf on the lower slopes and drier Glenrosa with a saprolite subsoil higher up. This well-drained, fertile, decomposed granite with high clay content ensures good water retention during the long, dry summers of the Cape, when enough water slowly drains back into the vineyards to ensure an effective leaf canopy and proper ripening of the fruit.

The unique location, climate and soils of our estate call for the making of terroir-driven wines, and it is to this principle that we are deeply committed. Simple winemaking techniques are used to extract the best from grapes grown in expertly nurtured vineyards to make consistently excellent wines that express elegance, minerality and balance.

Grape / Blend
100% Muscat de Frontignan

Origin
Constantia, South Africa

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
The 2016 vintage was earlier than anticipated due to El Niño causing a warm and dry weather build up to harvest, resulting in faster ripening fruit. Still it yielded berries with concentrated flavours and well balanced acidity. Fortunately, in the Constantia Valley we receive enough rainfall, even during the driest of seasons and are safeguarded with sufficient moisture in the soils, unlike some warmer regions in the country. We are also protected from the extreme heat spikes by our proximity to the ocean, experiencing predominantly cool night time temperatures allowing for the perfect and slow raisining conditions for the development of ripeness while retaining a good natural acidity.

Deeply complex and robust, the nose is layered with Seville orange marmalade, honeysuckle and ginger. Unctuously full bodied with intense flavours ranging from dried mango to fresh vanilla and lively citrus zest. These allow for the perfect balance on the palate, showing restrained concentration with a pithy astringency and a mouth-watering finish.

97 Points - Decanter
Classical Muscat which shines through with all the Constantia heritage. Super pure, sleek and precise. Honeysuckle aromas, crystallised orange zest, quince with a pronounced floral marigold. Cleansing acidity to lift the complex finish.

94 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 
Lucious tones of apricot, dried nectarine, honey and spiced orange syrup with subtle tones of cinnamon all beg for your attention on the nose of the 2016 Vin de Constance Natural Sweet Wine. The wine is rich and dense on the palate, expanding and unfolding, showing layers of depth and breadth across the mid-palate. It's perfectly sweet with the precision and balance to counter the acidity, so you can continue to drink it throughout the night. The finish is long and thoughtful and continues to evolve on the palate, leaving a viscous layer, flopping back and forth between flavors of honey, orange marmalade and apricot paste. I see blue cheese or crème brûlée as a beautiful pairing for this wine

Product size: 750ml