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:
The cold and wet winter brought much needed relief for the Western Cape. A few warm days in winter caused uneven budding, uneven flowering and eventually uneven ripening. The uneven ripening was addressed by careful green harvesting in January to remove all the uneven bunches. Rainfall in January reduced the pressure of any possible water supply issues during the summer months. February continued to be cool and dry, providing perfect ripening and picking conditions.

ABOUT THE VINEYARD:
The Muscat grapes are grown in a vineyard block right next to the famous Manor House, which is situated at 80 to 90 metres above sea level. The low-yielding vines are planted on a south east facing slope. 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. Soils vary from red-brown loamy soil from granitic origin to duplex soil with coarse, sandy topsoil on partially decomposed granites. The vineyard is cultivated sustainably; pest control takes place biologically, and soil health and weed control are managed by a selected mix of winter cover crops.

THE WINEMAKING PROCESS:
Patience is a virtue when producing a wine with nectar so sweet. The semi-sun dried Muscat d’Frontignan bunches were harvested at the beginning to middle of April, after a long ripening period to ensure that the sweet berries had adequate sunlight to produce the golden juice. The grapes were fermented with selected yeasts on the skins for approximately one week and then pressed. After fermentation the wines were racked and transferred into barrels to mature for 24 months. This cuvée is made from predominantly white Muscat with a small percentage of red Muscat, which imparts the distinctive amber colour.

OUR TASTING NOTES:
White Muscat is complemented by with a small percentage of red Muscat, giving a beautiful amber colour. This legendary sweet wine delights with opulent aromas of caramel, honey and notes of crushed pineapple, apricot and raisins. The honey and dried fruit follow through onto the palate which is beautifully balanced by a natural acidity leaving a very elegant and persistent finish.

GRAPE:
Muscat de Frontignan 100%.

AWARDS:
• Silver, International Wine Challenge, 2024