Groot Constantia Sauvignon Blanc

Tasting notes

Lots of tropical fruit like guava, papaya and granadilla jump out of the glass, followed by hints of herbaceous character. The palate is rich and creamy, with lots of sweet tropical fruit, beautifully balanced by a fresh acidity.

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 note

This wine comes from various blocks that vary between 88m and 233m above sea level. All the slopes are south to south east facing. The Sauvignon Blanc yield is an average of 6 t/ha.

Soil

Glenrosa and Hutton

Vinification

The grapes were hand picked early in the morning to retain the delicate fruit flavours. They go straight into the press and only the free run juice is used. The juice is settled until clear and cold fermented (12 - 14 Deg °C) in stainless steel to enhance the typical varietal characters. After fermentation, the wine is left on the lees for three months before being racked, fined and stabilized in preparation for bottling.

Grape

Sauvignon Blanc 100%

Food match

Fresh mussels with garlic butter, tuna carpaccio drizzled with virgin olive oil, Grilled calamari in a lime and ginger marinade.

Awards

Decanter World Wine Awards, Bronze, 2015