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:
A cool, wet spring delayed budding by seven to 10 days, but it was consistently good and even, while flowering occurred generally around five days later than usual. Fruit set occurred at a good tempo and was mostly even, with vine growth continuing steadily as the temperature increased in December. The 2022 wines show striking colour and flavour expression, due to a generally cooler season that allowed gradual ripening and balancing acidity.

ABOUT THE VINEYARD:
The vineyards are located on the steep valley on the eastern side of Table Mountain. 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 south east facing. 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, which nourishes the predominantly Cartref and Glenrosa soil- a 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 grapes were harvested in at 26° Balling and fermented on their skins, imparting colour, flavour and fine tannins, until the wine was dry. During fermentation four pumpovers per day took place to encourage maximum extraction. The wine then spent 12 months in French oak barrels, of which 40% was new oak, with 20% in second, 20% in third and 20% in fourth fill barrels.

OUR TASTING NOTES:
Aromas of ripe strawberry and raspberry combine with black cherry and plum while delicate use of French oak adds a hint of cacao. The bold, ripe fruit flavours follow on the palate and the fine tannin structure ensures a long, elegant finish.

GRAPE VARIETY:
Pinotage 100%.