Klein Constantia : Vin de Constance 2022

Characteristics and Tasting Tips of the 2022 Vin de Constance from Klein Constantia

Tasting

Nose
The nose reveals a rich and expressive bouquet, combining aromas of fresh apricot, quince, dried pineapple and persimmon, enhanced by notes of candied fig, salted caramel, elderflower, and a subtle hint of spices.

Palate
On the palate, the attack is dynamic, unveiling flavors of peach, nectarine, dried mango and lychee, harmoniously balanced by an invigorating salinity and an elegant woody presence. The long, dry finish is adorned with delicate spices, offering a vintage that is both refined and memorable.

A Sweet White Wine from South Africa Imbued with Elegance and Balance

The Estate

Situated in the Western Cape region of South Africa, the Klein Constantia estate has been tracing its story since 1685.

Simon van der Stel, a senior official of the Dutch East India Company, founded his estate, Groot Constantia, at that time, naming it in honor of his wife, Constance. He planted numerous vines there. These wines quickly met with great success beyond national borders, notably served at the most prestigious tables. Louis XVI, George Washington, Charles Baudelaire, and even Napoleon Bonaparte contributed to the growing reputation of this great sweet white wine.

Douglas 'Duggie' Jooste, former owner of Sedgwick's, a family business specializing in sherry (Jerez), acquired the then-abandoned estate in 1980.

In 2011, Zdenek Bakala, an American banker of Czech origin, and Charles Harman, vice president at JPMorgan banks, purchased the estate. Joined by two French shareholders, Hubert de Boüard de Laforest, co-owner of Château Angélus (Saint-Émilion), and Bruno Prats, former owner of Château Cos d’Estournel, these co-owners embarked on a profound vineyard restructuring to elevate the estate to the ranks of South Africa’s finest wines.

The Vineyard

The Vin de Constance from Klein Constantia is a Western Cape wine made exclusively from the estate’s emblematic grape variety, Muscat de Frontignan.

The vineyard dedicated to this cuvée covers 16.5 hectares on slopes, at the heart of the famous Constantiaberg mountain. Its soils, composed of granite and clay, ensure optimal water supply and sufficient reserves, limiting water stress during hot, dry summers.

The Vintage

The 2022 vintage is characterized by its intensity and precision, with a late start and concentrated harvest. The season, marked by warm, dry and sunny weather, favored optimal ripening. Rigorous canopy management overcame heat and wind, resulting in a harvest of exceptional quality, with stable temperatures throughout the harvest period.

Grape Variety

Muscat de Frontignan (100%).