The approach used to create Vin de Constance is unique to Klein Constantia, tailored from historic information used to make the iconic sweet wines of Constantia in the 1700s. 2019 saw some relief from the 5 year drought with a cooler, windier and wetter build up to harvest giving smaller concentrated berries, ideal pH levels, fresh acidity and complex wines. The 2019 Muscat de Frontignan harvest was very short, taking place from late February until late March. In this amount of time 26 different passes were made, ranging from high acidity to the later portion of very ripe raisins. Each pass was vinified separately initially and then blended together during the latter part of fermentation in order to balance out the sugar, alcohol and acidity. This allows the fermentation to stop naturally and without any intervention. The wine is aged for 18 months in 50% new oak 500-litre barrels and then a further 18 months in large format foudres before blending and bottling. Residual sugar: 166g/l. Bottled at 14%. (Bottle size 500ml)

Nose: A delicately perfumed yet elevated nose with flavours of white peach, citrus blossom and orange zest. There is an intriguing creaminess on the nose followed by nutmeg and lemon curd.

Palate: The palate abounds with complex flavours of oak spice, ginger and bright fruit. A delicate balance between sugar and acidity creating a seemingly dryer style of Vin de Constance.

Finish: The wine concludes with a long and evolving finish with texture and a delicate spice.

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 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 piece of land Klein Constantia. Changing hands several times over the years, in May 2011 Klein Constantia was bought by businessmen Zdenek Bakala and Charles Harman. In June 2012, celebrated Bordeaux wine personalities, Bruno Prats and Hubert de Boüard, merged their Stellenbosch based vineyard, Anwilka, with Klein Constantia.

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