Klein Constantia is a historic wine estate located in the Constantia Valley of Cape Town, South Africa. Its origins trace back to 1685, when Simon van der Stel, the first governor of the Cape, established the vast Constantia estate. Klein Constantia later became a distinct property in 1823, formed from a subdivision of the original Constantia farm.

The estate is globally renowned for its iconic natural sweet wine, Vin de Constance, a recreation of the legendary Constantia wine that was highly sought after by European royalty and figures like Napoleon Bonaparte and Jane Austen in the 18th and 19th centuries. After a period of dormancy, Vin de Constance was successfully resurrected in 1986.

Klein Constantia is situated on the upper foothills of the Constantiaberg, benefiting from decomposed granite soils, cool ocean breezes, and a unique microclimate conducive to producing high-quality wines. Beyond Vin de Constance, the estate is also recognized for its world-class Sauvignon Blanc and a range of other elegant dry wines. 

Since 2011, Klein Constantia has been under the ownership of Zdenek Bakala and Charles Harman, and in 2012, it merged with Stellenbosch farm Anwilka, further strengthening its position in the South African wine industry. The estate is also a WWF Conservation Champion, committed to environmentally responsible practices.

The 2021 harvest season was marked by patience and precision. Moderate weather during this period resulted in a later harvest than usual, characterized by cooler conditions, extended hang time, and optimal phenological ripening. These factors contributed to the development of exceptional fruit concentration, lower pH levels, and higher natural acidity. Despite the harvest being up to two weeks later than in previous years, the absence of rainfall or heatwaves allowed our harvest to span just three weeks. The post-harvest conditions of 2020 set the stage for an exceptional 2021 season. Warm weather and ample rainfall delayed leaf fall, allowing the vines to build up sufficient reserves for dormancy. This was followed by a colder, wetter winter that extended into spring, creating ideal conditions for the growth season.

Description

Bright light gold in appearance. The nose is layered with aromas of apricots, sandalwood spice & Seville marmalade. A crisp acidity and salinity, with flavours by flavours of nutmeg, citrus, jasmine flower and rose water. Creamy and rich, the palate is textured and complex with a delicate wood spice on the mid palate. The is a fine balance between sugar and acidity, creating a dryer style of Vin de Constance. Concentrated and lively, the wine concludes with a long pithy and almost bitter finish.

Grape variety Muscat de Frontignan

Wine record During the cooler and less sporadic 2021 season, we began harvesting the earlier-ripening components on March 9th. Over the following three weeks, we picked 25 different batches, ranging from lower sugar, and high acidity components to much sweeter, more concentrated final picks on March 30th. Interestingly, this approach mirrored the conditions and practices of the 2020 harvest. Each batch was processed separately, with most receiving only two weeks of skin contact before pressing. At this point, we blend various components to achieve the optimal balance of sugar, acidity, and alcohol, allowing fermentation to stop naturally. The wine was then aged for 18 months in 50% new 500L Hungarian and French oak barrels, followed by an additional 16 months in a large format wooden foudre.

Alcohol: 14.0% vol
Residual Sugar: 173g/l
pH: 3,77
Total Acid: 6,3g/l

Bright light gold in appearance. The nose is layered with aromas of apricots, sandalwood spice & Seville marmalade. A crisp acidity and salinity, with flavours by flavours of nutmeg, citrus, jasmine flower and rose water. Creamy and rich, the palate is textured and complex with a delicate wood spice on the mid palate. The is a fine balance between sugar and acidity, creating a dryer style of Vin de Constance. Concentrated and lively, the wine concludes with a long pithy and almost bitter finish.

Tim Atkin – 98 points