Monday, December 6, 2010

Klein Constantia’s Platter Hat-Trick

Three very different wine styles from Klein Constantia Estate were awarded much-coveted 5-star ratings in the recently launched Platter’s Wine Guide 2011, demonstrating the potential and versatility of this historic site. These were Klein Constantia Perdeblokke Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 and the Vin de Constance 2006.
 
Managing Director, Lowell Jooste believes that this trio of awards is the single most significant recognition ever bestowed on the property since production was resumed in 1986. “This emphasises the ability of the vineyards of Klein Constantia to produce top-end white, red and sweet wine.” All grapes for the Estate range are grown on the property.
 
The major shift in focus of the past decade has been from the winery to the vineyards, with an ambitiously extensive and costly replanting programme now bearing fruit. Winemaker Adam Mason and viticulturist Stiaan Cloete are hugely gratified to see the results of this finally emerging in the wines, particularly the cabernet, where consistent effort is required in the vineyards to keep leaf roll at bay.
 
“We are ecstatic and hugely encouraged by these results, as we firmly believe this property still has so much unlocked potential.” says Mason. “The next few years will be crucial as we continue to navigate the path we set to achieve our goal of underpinning Klein Constantia’s reputation as one of the Cape’s great vineyards.”

Klein Constantia: 321 Years of Heritage.


The verdant Constantia valley, home to Klein Constantia Estate, is the oldest, most enduring vineyard region in the Cape, first producing wine in 1689.

As part of the original farm that in the 18th century produced ‘Constantia’, prized throughout Europe by the leaders and aristocracy of the time, Klein Constantia has helped to reclaim its former glory by initiating the revival of this famous sweet wine.


Family owned and run, Klein Constantia’s philosophy is founded on quality rather than quantity, reflected in the wines regularly inviting accolades, both locally and internationally.