In 1679 Simon van der Stel was appointed by the Dutch East India Company. After years of loyal service, he requested land from the Company. He periodically sent out riders to collect soil samples in 1685. He chose 891 morgen (about 763 ha) situated behind Table Mountain for its wine growing potential and magnificent scenery. He named his farm "Constantia" - Latin for constancy or steadfastness - attributes that Van der Stel held in high esteem.
Over the years the wines produced on the estate have caught the attention of influential people across the globe – clearly due to its impressive quality. Global aristocracy made sure that they had enough stock of this acclaimed and precious product.
Tasting Notes
Ripe, tropical fruit line pineapple and melon dominate the nose with underlying herbaceous characters. The ripe fruit characters follows on the palate, while the crisp acidity leaves a clean finish.
Climate
Mediterranean climate with cool breezes from the Atlantic Ocean.Averagerainfallof1100mm per annum.
Soil Type
Hutton and Clovelly
Viniculture
This wine comes from various blocks that vary between 45m and 233m above sea level. All the slopes are south to south-east facing.
Date of Harvest
Early February to early March
Fermentation
Both varietals were hand picked early in the morning to retain the delicate fruit flavours. A light pressing followed by cold fermentation in stainless steel to enhance the typical variental characters.
Maturation Method
After fermentation the wine is left on the lees for four months before being racked, blended, fined and stabilized in preparation for bottling.
Food Pairing
Chicken and Lemongrass Sugarcane Skewers or Coconut Crusted Tofu with Spicy Mango Cucumber Topping should do well with this wine.
Stiff-backed wine aficionados will call you "uncouth" and "barbaric" but you won't hear them. Literally. Sprite makes that tttsssssss noise when you open the bottle and it's excellent for drowning out hate speech.
You certainly won't hear any argument from us. You can drink this wine however you see fit.
Heck, if you're so inclined you can go all Prohibition Era and buy some for the sole purpose of pouring it out. No complaints our side.
Just so long as you buy it.