Muscat Vin de Constance 2015
Klein Constantia
Summary: Whilst still technically in a drought, we had a text book growing season with a slightly higher rainfall than previous years. It was characterised again by cold nights, warm days, wind and very little rainfall. This further aided the berry development and due to the dry conditions leading up to harvest, we had exceptionally healthy fruit.
Vinfication: The approach used to create Vin de Constance is unique to Klein Constantia, tailored from historic information used to make the iconic sweet wines of Constantia in the 1700’s. From these records we have recreated a style of Muscat de Frontignan involving numerous winemaking techniques in order to create the perfect sweet wine. One of the most important aspects is to achieve balance, to do this we harvested the grapes in numerous batches over a 2 month period. Each batch has a precise purpose and is meticulously blended together on numerous occasions to achieve a perfect balance between sugar, alcohol and acidity. After an extended fermentation period, the wine was aged for 3 years in a combination of 50% new oak and acacia barrels, as well as large format foudres before further blending and bottling.
Additional Information
The 2015 vintage brought about both challenges and joys. It is the first vintage to be completed in our renovated cellar, with equipment dedicated for the making of Vin de Constance. This harvest marked the first year of the long 3 year drought in the Cape, resulting in the earliest harvest of Muscat de Frontignan we have had since 1986. It was also the year of the terrible fires that raged through the Cape Peninsula.
Vibrant and tantalizing from the bright, golden appearance to the lingering, zesty finish. The nose is layered with aspects of citrus blossom, honeycomb and stone fruit which follow through onto the palate. Full bodied, the mouthfeel is rich and creamy with a refreshing acidity.
Technical Details
- Appellation: Constantia, Western Cape
- Winemaker: Matthew Day
- Sustainability: Sustainable Practices, Organic Practices
- Alcohol: 13.97%
- Ttl Acidity: 6.5 g/l
- Residual Sugar: 172.7 g/l
- Sizes Available: 500ml, 1.5L
- Pack Size: 6/500ml, 3/1.5L
- Varietals: 100% Muscat de Frontignan
