Dating back to 1685 and described as one of the world’s most beautiful wine estates, Klein Constantia is set amidst ancient trees on the upper foothills of Constantiaberg.
In a nutshell: In 1685 Constantia was established as a wine region in South Africa between False Bay and Hout Bay by the Governor of the Cape, Simon Van der Stel. The perfect location for cool climate wines, it was here that the first Muscat de Frontignan grapes in the Constantia Valley were planted, thus beginning the legacy of one of the world’s most famous wines. Klein Constantia’s Vin de Constance was prized by leaders and aristocracy throughout 18th century Europe, and today is considered possibly the world’s greatest natural dessert wine.
A range of elegant Estate wines are also produced, with a particular focus on the variations of Sauvignon Blanc which can be achieved from differing parcels of vineyard. Six single vineyard wines are currently produced, following identification of specific microclimates throughout the estate. To protect their environment, Klein Constantia is aligned with that of the World Wildlife Fund to unite conservation and agricultural development, committed to maintaining the Cape Floristic Province of the surrounding area that is home to 14,000 different species of flora and fauna. Klein Constantia has been recognised as a WWF Conservation Champion since 2011.
The terroir: Situated between 70 and 343 m above sea level, with a constant sea breeze above 150 m, temperatures remain cool. With the ocean just 10km away, the wind plays an important factor, too, often stressing the vineyard and resulting in an increase in concentration and flavour in the fruit. The soils originate from 600 million year old granite, which is well drained, fertile decomposed granite with high clay content that ensures good water retention.
The Klein Constantia ‘personality’: Custodian of some of the most historic vineyards in South Africa and the world, they are deeply committed to producing high-quality, elegant, mineral and balanced terroir-driven wines, resulting from the unique combination of location, climate and soils.
Category:
New World Wine