Klein Constantia Vin De Constance 2005

These historic vineyards were first planted in the late 1600s as part of the original Constantia estate, whose legendary sweet wines were celebrated in literature by Jane Austen, Charles Dickens and Baudelaire. It was sought after by Napoleon, in his exile, and by the courts of Europe in the 18th and 19th century. Chosen for its soil of decomposed Table Mountain granite, and its cooling sea breezes from both the Atlantic and Indian oceans, these vineyards provide the perfect terroir for premium winegrowing.

Grapes were left to raisin on the vines, and were hand-selected towards the middle of March of this warm vintage. Fermentation of the sticky, concentrated must took place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, followed by 18 months of maturation inFrench oak. The wine was released almost 5 years after harvest.

Klein Constantia Vin de Constance is bottled in asymmetrical 500 ml bottles, which are a reproduction of the hand-blown originals. Each is presented in a Klein Constantia gift box, with a brochure containing the history of Constantia wine.

Drink now or cellar long-term.

Serving:

Serve chilled as an accompaniment to desserts such as tarte tatin and crème brulee, or to cheeses such as Roquefort and Quenby Hall Stilton.

Grape Variety:

100% Muscat de Frontignan

Technical Characteristics:

ABV - 13%

Residual Sugar - 153 g/l

Review:

“This revival of the 18th century traditional sweet wine is a world-class confection of crystallised peaches and pineapples with a sea-salty tang. If it was good enough for Napoleon, Charles Dickens and Europe's aristocracy, this Cape classic will please our Traditionalist”