The 2020 Klein Constantia Vin de Constance is a vibrant South African sweet wine, glowing bright gold with a richly aromatic nose of Seville marmalade, quince, candied ginger, and stone fruit. Layers of red apple, toffee, and delicate floral notes add depth and charm.
The palate is full-bodied and silky, with refined sweetness balanced by elegant salinity and a whisper of roasted walnut dryness. This vintage offers a slightly drier expression, delivering a zesty, complex finish that rewards contemplation. A collector’s gem and a must-have for lovers of world-class dessert wines.
The palate is full-bodied and silky, with refined sweetness balanced by elegant salinity and a whisper of roasted walnut dryness. This vintage offers a slightly drier expression, delivering a zesty, complex finish that rewards contemplation. A collector’s gem and a must-have for lovers of world-class dessert wines.
The 2020 vintage was exceptional due to superb conditions throughout the build up to harvest. Low rainfall and wind proved a challenge during the growing season, resulting in smaller concentrated berries and a reduced crop. Summer temperatures were moderate without the typical heat waves we receive mid-March.
An ideal build up to harvest created exceptional conditions for the raisining of the Muscat fruit. The result was a very compressed harvest that started in early March and was completed within 3 weeks, unlike typical harvests where it can take up to 2 months. In this time we managed 19 passes through the vineyards. Each batch was processed separately with the majority of them receiving only 2 weeks skin contact before pressing.
At this point, we blend various components to achieve the perfect balance between sugar, acidity and alcohol. Fermentation stopped naturally. The wine was aged for 1,5 years in 50% new 500L Hungarian & French oak barrels, followed by a further 1,5 years in a large format wooden foudre. Barrels are then carefully selected with only the best being chosen to make up the final blend.
The combination of residual sugar and alcohol levels has a well known preservative effect on bottled wine. This wine is capable of ageing for many decades if not generations from release. Ideal serving temperature is 12°-14° Celsius.
An ideal build up to harvest created exceptional conditions for the raisining of the Muscat fruit. The result was a very compressed harvest that started in early March and was completed within 3 weeks, unlike typical harvests where it can take up to 2 months. In this time we managed 19 passes through the vineyards. Each batch was processed separately with the majority of them receiving only 2 weeks skin contact before pressing.
At this point, we blend various components to achieve the perfect balance between sugar, acidity and alcohol. Fermentation stopped naturally. The wine was aged for 1,5 years in 50% new 500L Hungarian & French oak barrels, followed by a further 1,5 years in a large format wooden foudre. Barrels are then carefully selected with only the best being chosen to make up the final blend.
The combination of residual sugar and alcohol levels has a well known preservative effect on bottled wine. This wine is capable of ageing for many decades if not generations from release. Ideal serving temperature is 12°-14° Celsius.
Klein Constantia is a historic South African winery set on the cool, sea-breezed slopes of Constantia. Founded in 1685, the estate is famed for reviving the legendary Vin de Constance, once favored by kings and poets alike. Under the thoughtful guidance of winemaker Matthew Day, Klein Constantia continues to produce elegant, expressive wines that honor centuries of heritage and the unique terroir of this remarkable place.
