Wine in Constantia

Klein Constantia is custodian to South Africa’s most historic vineyards. Located in the Table Mountain Valley, the first vineyards of Constantia were planted in 1685 by the Governor of the Cape, Simon van der Stel, who recognized the uniqueness of location, climate and decomposed granite soils. Klein Constantia’s lusciously sweet wine, Vin de Constance, rose to prominence in the 1800s. It was savored by the likes of Napoleon Bonapart, Queen Victoria and Thomas Jefferson and found its way into the writing of many great 18th and 19th century authors. With the ocean just 10km away, the cool climate and near constant sea breeze create ideal growing conditions for Muscat de Frontignan which is able to fully ripen before raisining begins. The soils are well-draining, fertile decomposed granite with high clay content. They ensure good water retention which is important given the long dry summers of the Cape. Deeply complex and robust, the nose is layered with Seville orange marmalade, honeysuckle and ginger. Unctuously full bodied with intense flavours ranging from dried mango to fresh vanilla and lively citrus zest. These allow for the perfect balance on the palate, showing restrained concentration with a pithy astringency and a mouth-watering finish.

This crisp and zesty. yet ripe Sauvignon Blanc displays text book aromas and flavors of green fig, gooseberry and lime along with grapefruit and kiwi. Grassy herbal notes are supported by elegant underpinnings of mineral and chalk. You get a lot of wine for your money with this Sauvignon Blanc from one of the last high value regions in the world.

A great deal of attention has been placed on expressing the Klein Constantia style in this wine. It consists of a blend of various parcels from the estate, each kept separate throughout the winemaking process. Finally, they are carefully blended together to create a perfect representation of the unique Klein Constantia terroir. Fresh and subtly aromatic, this wine exhibits the typical Sauvignon Blanc characteristics of gooseberry and citrusy lemon and lime on the nose. A hint of clove comes through and is underpinned by passionfruit and grapefruit aromas.

For centuries, Constantia's cool maritime climate has developed fruit of elegance and fine concentration. This wine is made from grapes grown on the estate, situated on the mountainous slopes of Constantia overlooking False Bay. Intense varietal character is the cornerstone of this classically-styled Sauvignon Blanc, combining tropical fruit flavours with a well-integrated minerality. A wine of freshness, balance and length.

Klein Constantia Perdeblokke is a wine from a select group of vineyards high up on the steep slopes of the Constantiaberg. The name refers to the horses that tilled the soils of this vineyard whose steep slopes lie 200-220 metres above sea level. Since its planting in 2000, the Perdeblokke has yielded the best quality Sauvignon on the farm, which prompted the decision to produce a single vineyard wine. It is made only in years of exceptional quality in order to uphold the reputation of the Perdeblokke vineyard. On the nose you will find rich aromas of gooseberries and blueberries. The palate follows through with a range of characters; from concentrated tropical fruit to a spicy, flinty and greener style, flavors that truly express the unique Perdeblokke style. The wine follows through with a great acidity that helps to lengthen the full finish.

The wine has a pale lemon yellow color and a bouquet reminiscent of green figs with hints of gooseberries and hints of green peppers. The wine is dry, full bodied and has a long lingering finish.

The red and black fruit illustrated on the nose follow effortlessly onto a medium-bodied palate where elegant, velvety tannins grip the palate in a vibrant intensity of flavor. There is texture and richness as the wine once again demonstrates the peppery, savory notes while the wine’s inherent freshness brings about a long, well-defined finish. This classic Constantia red wine is bold with powerful dark fruit flavors yet possesses old world charm with it's delicate herbal fynbos notes and fine-grain tannins.

Beyond is a high quality value brand of single varietal wines. The first bottling created under the Beyond label was a Sauvignon Blanc, crafted by renowned Constantia winery Buitenverwachting. The name of the brand was inspired by the translation of Buitenverwachting, "beyond expectation." The wines consistently deliver on their promise of going beyond the ordinary. This juicy, medium-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon offers bright flavors of black currant and plum, with gentle licorice and herbal notes.