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. Some heat peaks occurred in some regions in December and January, while other regions experienced unexpected rainfall. 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:
This wine comes from various blocks that vary between 48 and 148 metres above sealevel, on slopes that 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. The soils are predominantly Hutton and Glenrosa- 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 picked between 20 to 23 degrees Balling and were then coldfermented at 12 to 15°C in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. Following the fermentation, the wine was left on the lees for six weeks, adding texture and complexity. It was then racked, fined and stabilised in preparation for bottling.

OUR TASTING NOTES:
This delicate shell-pink coloured rosé shows wonderful complexity on the nose, with notes of strawberries, raspberries, melon and a hint of jasmine. The fruit flavours are echoed on the refreshing and beautifully balanced palate through to a clean, dry finish.

GRAPE VARIETY:
Merlot 46%, Sauvignon Blanc 25%, Semillon 16%, Cabernet Sauvignon 13%.