Ten South African Wines for Collectors
January 2, 2018
The revolution that has taken place in South African winemaking is one of the most dramatic changes to have occurred in recent times.
Read articleConstantia Wine Region Guide
Discover Elegance in Elevation: Savor the Heights of Constantiaberg's Vineyards, Where Ocean Breezes Meet Mountain Majesty
Introduction
The name Constantia is today synonymous with luxury in South Africa; situated to the south of Cape Town, it has become one of the area’s wealthiest suburbs, complete with many fine boutique hotels, shops, and superlative restaurants. Yet, many visitors may fail to discover that Constantia actually saw witness to the first commercial vineyard in South Africa. The nation’s first wine estate was founded in 1685 by the Cape’s second governor, Simon van der Stel. It gradually grew in reputation as one of the world’s greatest dessert wines, produced from an extensive vineyard of over 1,800 hectares.
History
Following Governor der Stel’s death in 1712, the estate was split into three parts – Klein Constantia, Groot Constantia, and Bergvliet. The vineyards were subsequently purchased by Hendrik Cloete, a winemaker from Stellenbosch who was instrumental in forging the property’s reputation for its sweet wines, made from the Muscat grape – Vin de Constance soon found an adoring fan base in the aristocracy of Europe. Sadly, the onset of phylloxera in the 19th century all but destroyed the vineyards at Klein Constantia, and subsequent owners’ abandoned wine production at the estate until a revival came in the 1980s.
Geography and terroir
The soils in Constantia are generally deeply weathered, boasting a high clay content which retains water and helps to keep vines hydrated during the often bone dry Cape summers. However, as Constantia is – by South African standards – essentially a cool climate area, it is unsurprisingly white varieties that thrive in this once neglected Cape region. It offers a natural home for aromatic varieties like Sauvignon Blanc, which plays an important role in Constantia’s 420 hectares of vineyards. Indeed, Sauvignon represents just under a third of the region’s vines and produces generally excellent wines to rival the best from the Loire, Sauvignon’s original home. Semillon also grows successfully in Constantia, as does Chardonnay.
Winemaking and regional classifications
Today, this beautiful corner of the Cape Winelands producers some of its most distinctive wines. The vineyards are increasingly located on the steep slopes of Constantiaberg, situated on what is effectively a mountain amphitheater that opens directly onto False Bay below. In fact, they are among some of the highest and steepest in South Africa, reaching 400m above sea level. The vineyards, therefore, benefit from both the cooling effects of altitude and those all-important Atlantic and Indian Ocean sea breezes.
Key Grape Varietals
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White grape
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is a green-skinned grape varietal native to the Burgundy wine region in France and one of the most popular varieties worldwide. View grape -
White grape
Muscat Blanc
Muscat blanc is a white wine grape varietal popular in the Muscat d'Alsace, Moscato d'Asti and Beaumes-de-Venise regions. View grape -
White grape
Sauvignon Blanc
The sauvignon blanc grape varietal, originally from the Bordeaux region of France, is now one of the world's most loved white varieties. View grape -
Red grape
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc is particularly important on Bordeaux’s Right Bank, bringing perfume, freshness and structure to Merlot-led blends. View grape -
Red grape
Cabernet Sauvignon
Learn what Cabernet Sauvignon tastes like, where it grows best, why it matters in Bordeaux, and how to pair and serve this age-worthy red grape. View grape -
Red grape
Malbec
Delve into Malbec, a dark, small grape native to France, cherished for its thick skin and exceptional flavors. 🍇🍷 View grape -
Red grape
Merlot
Merlot is the most cultivated grape in Bordeaux and closely related to Cabernet Franc View grape -
Red grape
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is one of the world’s great red wine grapes. Learn its flavors, food pairings, key regions, Burgundy styles, Champagne role, and why it is so difficult... View grape -
Red grape
Petit Verdot
Petit Verdot is a full-bodied red wine grape varietal used in classic Bordeaux blends and originates in southwestern France View grape
Further Reading
Discover South Africa’s Finest: The Ultimate Guide to Our Top Ten Wine Estates
October 18, 2013
Discover South Africa's wine renaissance led by innovative winemakers in Stellenbosch and beyond, showcasing world-class, terroir-focused wines
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