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, complemented by notes of candied fig, salted caramel, elderflower, as well as a subtle hint of spice.

Palate
On the palate, the attack is dynamic, revealing flavors of peach, nectarine, dried mango and lychee, harmoniously balanced by a lively salinity and an elegant woody presence. The finish, long and dry, 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

Located in the Western Cape region of South Africa, the Klein Constantia estate has a history dating back to 1685.

Simon van der Stel, a senior official of the Dutch East India Company, established his estate at that time, Groot Constantia, named in honor of his wife Constance. He planted numerous vines there. These wines quickly met with great success beyond national borders, notably served on 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 specialized in the production of 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, bought 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 two co-owners undertook a thorough restructuring of the vineyard with the aim of elevating the estate to the rank of the greatest wines of South Africa.

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 hillsides in the heart of the famous Constantiaberg mountain. Its soils, composed of granite and clay, ensure optimal water supply as well as sufficient reserves, limiting water stress during hot, dry summers.

The Vintage

The 2022 vintage is characterized by its intensity and precision, with a late onset and a concentrated harvest. The season, marked by a warm, dry and sunny climate, favored optimal ripening. Rigorous canopy management helped overcome heat and wind, resulting in a high-quality harvest with stable temperatures throughout the harvest.

Grape Variety

Muscat de Frontignan (100%).