Klein Constantia - Wine of Constance 2022:
Klein Constantia – Vin de Constance 2022 perpetuates the legend of South Africa's most iconic natural sweet wine, produced since the 18th century on the slopes of Table Mountain, a few kilometers from Cape Town. Once considered "the wine of kings," appreciated by Napoleon and the courts of Europe, it remains an absolute benchmark of finesse and aromatic purity.
Made exclusively from Muscat de Frontignan, the 2022 Vin de Constance comes from old vines planted on granite and schist soils exposed to the sea breezes of False Bay. The vintage, marked by a temperate climate and slow ripening, resulted in the harvest of partially raisined berries, rich in sugar but with exceptional natural acidity. After vinification in stainless steel vats and French and Hungarian oak barrels, the wine was aged for approximately three years on lees, imparting complexity and a silky texture.
The nose opens with intense aromas of dried apricot, candied mandarin, and acacia honey, enhanced by notes of saffron, ginger, and exotic fruits. On the palate, the liqueur is sumptuous, dense, and vibrant, balanced by a crystalline acidity that gives it a rare energy. The mid-palate, ample and creamy, evokes quince paste, orange blossom, and blond caramel. The finish, long and sparkling, stretches over nuances of orange peel and fine spices, leaving an impression of purity and balance.
A legendary wine, both sumptuous and precise, that rivals the world's greatest sweet wines. It will pair magnificently with pan-fried foie gras, a yellow fruit dessert, or an aged blue cheese. Serve between 10 and 12°C.
Grape variety: Muscat de Frontignan