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.

ABOUT THE VINEYARD:
The vines are grown in the Constantia region, where the Mediterranean climate is influenced by cool breezes from the Atlantic Ocean, encouraging complexity and natural balance in the grapes. Average maximum temperatures in summer are 26°C, falling to an average night-time low in winter of 8°C. The grapes for this wine were grown in various blocks that range from 39 metres to 160 metres above sea level; all the slopes are south to southeast facing. The region comprises Glenrosa, Clovelly, Avalon, Hutton and Cartref soils which covers a variety of soil types from red clay and loamy granite soils; duplex soils from sandstone and granitic origin to weathered sandstone. The vines are trained on vertical shoot position trellis systems and are cultivated manually with pruning, canopy management and harvesting all taking place by hand. The vineyard is sustainably cultivated with biological pest control; while soil health and weed control are managed by a selected mix of winter cover crops.

THE WINEMAKING PROCESS:
The grapes were hand-picked and each of the vineyards were fermented separately in stainless steel with selected yeasts. Regular pump overs took place during fermentation to ensure the desired level of extraction. The different components were aged separately for 12 months in 10% new, 35% 2nd fill, 35% 3rd fill and 20% 4th fill French oak barrels, further imbuing the wine with subtle complexity prior to blending and bottling.

OUR TASTING NOTES:
A layered blend showing lovely complexity, with aromas of ripe black fruits underpinned by hints of mocha chocolate, a touch of vanilla and wood spice. Rich and smooth, the black fruit and chocolatey notes envelop fine tannins with great length on the finish.

GRAPE VARIETY:
Pinotage 26%, Merlot 24%, Cabernet Franc 9%, Cabernet Sauvignon 8%, Grenache 7%, Petit Verdot 3%.