Klein Constantia - Vin De Constance - 2017 | South African Dessert Wine

Klein Constantia is custodian to South Africa’s most historic vineyards. Located in the Table Mountain Valley, the first vineyards of Constantia were planted in 1685 by the Governor of the Cape, Simon van der Stel, who recognized the uniqueness of location, climate and decomposed granite soils. Klein Constantia’s lusciously sweet wine, Vin de Constance, rose to prominence in the 1800s. It was savored by the likes of Napoleon Bonapart, Queen Victoria and Thomas Jefferson and found its way into the writing of many great 18th and 19th century authors. With the ocean just 10km away, the cool climate and near constant sea breeze create ideal growing conditions for Muscat de Frontignan which is able to fully ripen before raisining begins. The soils are well-draining, fertile decomposed granite with high clay content. They ensure good water retention which is important given the long dry summers of the Cape.