Klein Constantia Vin de Constance 2020 is an iconic sweet wine with a history dating back to the 18th century, when this style was served at European courts and even reached Napoleon on Saint Helena. That reputation remains fully relevant today. Vin de Constance is known for its exceptional balance of richness and freshness and is highly regarded worldwide with an average Vivino score of 4.6 , based on more than 17,400 reviews . The 2020 vintage is considered a particularly concentrated and precise expression of this legendary wine.
The grapes come from South Africa, from Constantia in the Western Cape. The vineyards are situated on the eastern slopes of the Constantiaberg Mountains, where cooling ocean influences and altitude ensure a long growing season. Conditions were exceptionally favorable in 2020. Low rainfall and consistent winds resulted in smaller, highly concentrated berries, while moderate summer temperatures avoided extreme heat waves. This resulted in grapes with intensity and natural freshness, an essential foundation for Vin de Constance. Klein Constantia, founded in 1685, has championed this style for centuries and has firmly established Vin de Constance as a benchmark for Constantia.
The buildup to the 2020 harvest created ideal conditions for drying the Muscat grapes. Harvest began in early March and was completed in just three weeks, divided into 19 separate harvests. Each batch was processed separately and, in most cases, had approximately two weeks of skin contact before pressing. The various components were then blended to achieve the optimal balance of sugar, acidity, and alcohol, after which fermentation was naturally terminated. The wine then matured for one and a half years in 500-liter Hungarian and French oak barrels, 50% of which were new, followed by another year and a half in large wooden foudres. Only the finest barrels were selected for the final blend.
Muscat de Frontignan – Constantia
Vin de Constance is a single varietal of Muscat de Frontignan. In Constantia, this grape produces a rare combination of aromatic intensity, refined sweetness, and pronounced aging potential.
