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:
Late autumn and early winter 2020 were mild, with moderate rainfall. However, the second half of winter, saw heavy rainfall and bitterly cold temperatures recorded late July and August, which was ideal from a viticultural point of view. Regular light rains in spring were not enough to replenish the water table. Summer and early autumn were also challenging; the summer was relatively cool, resulting in harvesting taking place on average two weeks later. However, the 2021 vintage fruit was good quality fruit with good maturity and flavour.

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. The average maximum temperature in the summer is 26˚C, with an average night-time low in winter of 8˚C, which encourages good aromatic complexity and balancing natural freshness from the cooler evenings. The average rainfall is approximately 1,100 mm per annum. The soils types vary from yellow-brown clay soil to red-brown loamy soil, both from granitic origin. The vines are cultivated sustainably; pest control takes place biologically, and soil health and weed control are managed by a selected mix of winter cover crops. The climate, combined with the cool southern slopes and deep mountain soils provide the ideal setting for the making of these top quality wines.

THE WINEMAKING PROCESS:
The grapes were handed picked at 25°C Balling and fermented in open tanks. A postfermentation maceration lasted for approximately four weeks. The wines were then matured for 14 months in 24% new French oak, 42% in second passage, 30% in third passage and 4% in fourth passage oak, which added complexity to the resulting wine.

OUR TASTING NOTES:
Savoury notes are supported by brambly fruit, liquorice, black pepper and subtle liquorice undertones. Spicy and elegant, with beautiful intensity on the palate and firm tannins through to a long, peppery finish.

GRAPE VARIETY:
Shiraz 100%.