Description

ABOUT THE PRODUCER:
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 in the foothills of 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. Today, the estate is run by the Groot Constantia Trust and covers 165 hectares, of which 87 hectares are planted at an altitude of 60 to 280 metres above sea level. The vineyards are cultivated sustainably, and they hold the Integrated Production of Wine (IPW) certification. The climate is generally cool resulting in complex and balanced wines.

THE VINTAGE:
2020 produced a big crop. Despite some challenging weather, such as intermittent rain in the early summer which posed a disease threat, the crop came in healthy. The quality looks good, especially from the higher vineyards, and the wines show lovely balance.

ABOUT THE VINEYARD:
The vineyards are located on the steep valley on the eastern side of Table Mountain. The climate is Mediterranean with cooling breezes from the Atlantic Ocean encouraging balance and complexity in the grapes. The average rainfall is approximately 1,100mm per annum. The soils are predominantly Clovelly and Glenrosaa gravelly soil with low fertility. The climate, combined with the cool southern slopes and deep mountain soils provide the ideal setting for the making of this top quality wine.

THE WINEMAKING PROCESS:
The selected grapes were harvested once they had reached the desired maturity levels and were picked at 24 to 25° Balling. The grapes were treated delicately in the cellar and during the first half of fermentation the wine was pumped over four times per day, in order to oxygenate the wine. Post- fermentation extended maceration lasted approximately four weeks. The wine was matured for 14 months in 225-litre French oak barrels, of which 73% were new, 9% second fill, 18% third fill.

OUR TASTING NOTES:
Groot Constantia’s flagship red shows beautiful complexity on the nose, with ripe, rich flavours of blackcurrant, dark chocolate and graphite, enriched by notes of cinnamon and cedar wood from the generous use of new oak. The black fruit and sweet spice follow through to the palate and the firm structure promises excellent ageing potential.

GRAPE VARIETY:
Cabernet Sauvignon 49%, Merlot 34%, Cabernet Franc 12%, Petit Verdot 5%.