Klein Constantia Muscat Vin De Constance in Box 2019
In the 18th and 19th centuries, the "sweet, luscious and excellent wines called Constantia, so highly esteemed in Europe" was the only wine in the Southern Hemisphere to achieve international acclaim. Napolean, King Louis Philippe of France, Charles Dickens and Frederick the Great all demanded it, while Jane Austen even recommended it as a cure for a broken heart. Now, a century after its disappearance, comes the renaissance - Vin de Constance - carefully made in the style of the old Constantia, from the vineyards which once produced this legndary wine.
Vibrant and tantalizing from the bright, golden appearance to the lingering, zesty finish. The nose is layered with aspects of citrus blossom, honeycomb and stone fruit which follow through onto the palate. Full bodied, the mouthfeel is rich and creamy with a refreshing acidity.
| Vintage | 2019 |
| Varietal Composition | 100% Muscat de Frontignan |
| Residual Sugar | 172 g/L |
| Alcohol | 14.00% |
| Volume | 500 ml |
| Country of Origin | SOUTH AFRICA |
| State of Origin | N/A |
| Artificially Carbonated | No |
| Sparkling Wine | No |
98 Points Decanter: "The 2019 vintage was a little unpredictable, with 26 passes in the vineyard between late February and late April to determine optimal ripeness. Each pass was separately vinified, some for zing, others for a more raisin-like profile, blended together late during fermentation for balance, the skill of Matt Day’s guidance is allowing the fermentation to stop naturally through this meticulous process. Aged for 15 months in 50% new French and Hungarian oak followed by a further 15 months larger format foudres the result secures Matt’s place in winemaking history as a youthful legend with another near perfect release of this iconic sweet wine. Glimmering gold in the glass it’s a gorgeous whirl of apricot, orange blossom, hay and lemon curd. Lightly syrupy texture with an uptick of gingery orange zest, there’s a lengthy spiciness to the accomplished finish which soars and surges all at once. For Muscat de Frontignan to feel this elegant and sippable so young is dreamy. If you’ve the patience to cellar it, expect great things. Otherwise this is the ultimate teatime wine to pour right now. (OS)"
97 Points Vinous: "The 2019 Vin de Constance is matured for 18 months in 500-liter Hungarian and French oak barrels, 50% new, followed by another 18 months in oak foudres. The growing season saw more sunlight hours than previous vintages (2,998 compared to 2,588 in 2018 for example). It has an understated nose, almost Sauternes-like even if it does not contain an ounce of botrytis. Subtle nutty aromas percolate through the wild honey and quince scents, wax resin and lanolin. The palate is medium-bodied and very pure. Disarmingly fine acidity, it is slightly Germanic towards the finish. with a hint of lemongrass lingering on the aftertaste. This is a superb Vin de Constance under the tenure of Matt Day that is a step closer to what you might confusingly call a non-sweet dessert wine. (NM)"
