Constantia
“The Seduction of Constantia: South Africa’s Jewel of Wine Production”
Constantia is a region that is high on my travel bucket list.
The wines of this region are special and speak of the long-standing culture of winemaking in a country that only made it onto our wine lists relatively late.
The white wines are profound and the red Bordeaux blends can definitely compete with their European counterparts. In the centre, however, a very special dessert wine grows that is unparalleled in Europe.
Welcome to Constantia, the sophisticated heart of the South African wine world, where the story is told with every sip and the landscape paints a poem on the lips of wine lovers. Nestled in rolling hills and framed by majestic mountains, Constantia is not just a wine region, but a place that touches the senses and enchants the soul.
The roots of this unique wine region go far back into South Africa's past. As early as the 17th century, Dutch settlers recognised the unique potential of these fertile soils and began cultivating vines. Constantia quickly became famous for its fine wines and gained international recognition when the Constantia dessert wine sent the European nobility into a frenzy in the 18th century.
But the story of Constantia is not only a story of tradition and glory, but also of continuous innovation and excellence. Winemaking in Constantia is an art passed down from generation to generation, characterised by passion and dedication. The carefully selected grapes, which ripen in the sun-drenched vineyards of Constantia, are processed with a tireless pursuit for perfection.
A highlight of wine production in Constantia is undoubtedly the production of dessert wine. Capturing the essence of the region, this sweet elixir is produced using a unique method that places a particular focus on the late harvest. The grapes are carefully selected and left on the vine to maximize their sweetness and concentration. The resulting wines are a true masterpiece of winemaking, rich with aromas of honey, tropical fruits and hints of spice.
Immerse yourself in the world of Constantia and let yourself be seduced by the fascination of this unique wine region. From the majestic vineyards to the delicate wines ageing in the cellars, Constantia offers an unparallelled experience for every wine lover. Get ready to taste the history and experience the magic of Constantia.
My tasting notes Vin de Constance 2016:
I still remember my first Vin de Constance many years ago.
I was surprised that such a wine, which I would have expected in Sauternes or Germany, came from South Africa, created around the same time as the famous Tokay.
The 2016 has, for the first time, a blend of 50% French acacia, Hungarian oak and regular French oak, and 50% French Fuder cask.
This makes the wine appear slimmer and more elegant than in previous vintages.
The wine impresses with its deep golden colour with its reddish reflections.
It's swirled in the glass beguilingly and lasciviously
Intense aromas of acacia honey, dried summer flowers and ripe quinces warm the palate and are reminiscent of warm autumn nights when the air is thick with the smells of harvested meadows and cornfields. If you think about the wine a little longer, you will be rewarded with notes of saffron and elderflower that linger for a long time.
Definitely a wine worth drinking with good friends, but also goes well with a warm Tarte Tatin or a cheese plate with Stilton.