Grand Constance, Groot Constantia - half bottle

Tasting Note

Deep straw, nearly amber colour. This legendary sweet wine shows honey, apricot, pineapple and Turkish delight on the nose. The sweet dried fruit follows on the palate. The natural acidity balances the sweetness of the wine, leaving a very more-ish finish.

Producer Note

Groot Constantia is South Africa's oldest estate and one of South Africa's most visited tourist attractions. In 1685 Cape Governor Simon van der Stel built a farm on Table Mountain, which he named Constantia. Groot Constantia received world acclaim from Napoleon, Bismarck and King Louis Philippe of France who was the biggest single buyer of Groot Constantia wines. They had to sell to the Cape government after phylloxera ravaged the vineyards. Now, the total estate covers 165 hectares of which 87 hectares are planted, at a height of 60 - 280 metres above sea level. The climate is generally cool resulting in complex and balanced wines.

Vineyard

The wine comes from a block right next to the famous Manor House at 80m to 90m above sea level. The slope is south east facing with a yield of 9.0 t/ha.

Winemaking

Patience is a virtue when producing a wine with nectar so sweet. The semi-sun dried Muscat d'Frontignan bunches was harvested at the start to middle of April. Fermentation started on the skins to extract maximum flavour and aromas and was completed in 3rd and 4th fill French oak. After fermentation the wines were racked and put back into the barrels to mature for another 24 months.

Serving Suggestion

After a meal, with creamy cheeses and rich patés

Grape

Muscat 100%