Spotlight On: Klein Constantia
Tucked into the upper foothills of the Constantiaberg, surrounded by ancient oaks and with sweeping views over the Constantia Valley and False Bay, Klein Constantia is undeniably one of the most beautiful wine estates in the world. Founded in 1685 by Simon van der Stel, this historic property combines centuries of winemaking heritage with cutting-edge precision, producing wines that are among the Cape’s finest and indeed, among the world’s best.
At the heart of Klein Constantia’s fame is the legendary Vin de Constance, a sweet wine that has enchanted fine wine lovers for centuries. Known historically as “Constantia” it was a favourite of royal courts, Napoleon had it shipped to St Helena during his exile; Queen Victoria, Marie Antoinette, Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, Baudelaire, Lord Byron, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Nelson Mandela, and, more recently, Buckingham Palace have all been counted among its admirers.
Vin de Constance is made from 100% Muscat de Frontignan which ripens fully and then raisins on the vine to give juice with intense flavour. Picking takes place at night, harvesting up to15 different batches of ripeness over many weeks, resulting in a beautiful wine of fresh zesty acidity, balanced sweetness and fabulously layered complexity. Compared by Neal Martin and Steven Spurrier to Chateau d'Yquem for quality - Vin de Constance is a wine legend that "will blow your mind" without blowing a big hole in your wallet too.
A new chapter is being written for this historic South African estate with the exceptionally talented young winemaker Matt Day leading their relentless pursuit of perfection. Every aspect of the winemaking process is being refined and honed in order to craft a beautifully balanced, harmonious and fresh sweet wine where the sweetness is barely perceivable. This is perfectly illustrated by the "superb" 2019 vintage that displays incredible vibrancy and precision. Captivating notes of mandarin, apricot, marmalade, ginger and honey are perfectly balanced by a light creaminess and a fine line of acidity that leave you longing for another sip.
But Klein Constantia’s mastery doesn’t stop there. The Estate Sauvignon Blanc is a benchmark South African white, made in a Loire-inspired style with electric acidity, ripe stone fruit and clean, mineral freshness. Each vineyard parcel is vinified separately and blended to capture the essence of the cool, ocean-breezed terroir. It’s a perfect companion to seafood or light dishes.
For sparkling wine lovers, the elegant Klein Constantia Méthode Cap Classique Blanc des Blancs has a lively bouquet of lemon zest and brioche, with a delicate mousse and crisp, zesty finish. The grapes are selected from a single block, one of the oldest, located on the lower slopes of Klein Constantia. The Chardonnay is harvested early in the season in numerous batches to ensure complexity in freshness, fruit and intensity.
For wine lovers, this iconic estate offers not just beauty, but brilliance in every glass.