Location
Perhaps the most famous of its kind, Constantia is one of South Africa’s oldest wine regions, and it’s in the Western Cape province. It is situated on the slopes around Table Mountain and is a suburb of Cape Town. Constantia boasts some of the most iconic wineries in South Africa because of the age and history behind them.
- Groot Constantia
- Klein Constantia
- Buitenverwachting
- Steenberg Vineyards
- Beau Constantia
History
One of the most important wine regions in South Africa, Constantia is home to some of the oldest vineyards in the country. In fact, the first vines were planted here by Governor Simon van der Stel as early as 1685. Wine from this region was exported to Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries, and became such a status symbol that it was one of King Louis XVI’s favorite wines. However, due to a series of setbacks, winemaking in Constantia all but died out during the 19th century.
It wasn’t until well into the 20th century that Constantia’s wine industry started making a comeback. Today, it produces around 3 million liters of wine annually—an impressive figure when you consider that its area is only 595 hectares (1,475 acres). Many excellent wines are produced here today—most notably white wines and dessert wines made from Muscat de Frontignan grapes.
Grape varieties
The most common grapes in this region are the Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah/Shiraz and Pinotage.
This region is also known for its unique grape varieties like Ruby Cabernet, Sauvignon Gris, Verdelho and Barbera.
There are other varieties that are growing in popularity such as Mourvedre and Grenache. The latter two varieties have been used mostly to make fortified wines or brandy until recently when some wineries began experimenting with making table wines out of them.
Red wines made from these grapes tend to be full bodied with strong tannins while whites can range from dry to off-dry depending on the variety and amount of sugar added during fermentation process (if any). Aromas include blackberry jam along with notes of vanilla bean or oakiness which comes from aging in barrels made from French or American oak depending on winery preference or cost effectiveness at time of purchase).
Appellations in Constantia
The Constantia Wine Route is situated in the Western Cape region of South Africa. It’s the smallest wine region in South Africa, but the cool sea breezes and coastal mountains contribute to a unique microclimate that makes it one of the most desirable locations for growing grapes. This micro climate has made Constantia the coolest wine region in South Africa. Constantia’s location also contributes to its being a tourist hotspot and a popular place for outdoor activities (it is home to several mountain bike trails).
Constantia has two appellations: Groot Constantia and Klein Constantia
Famous wines
If you’re interested in learning more about this historic wine region, you’ll want to know about the most famous wines made here.
- Klein Constantia Vin de Constance: This is a naturally sweet dessert wine with Muscat de Frontignan grapes grown in the high altitude of Constantia-Uitsig. It’s probably the most well-known wine of this area.
- Groot Constantia: This is a Bordeaux blend that was first produced by Simon van der Stel, who owned Groot Constantia and Kleine Zalze estates.
Constantia has a unique microclimate that creates perfect conditions for growing grapes that make delicious wine.
A cool climate wine region, Constantia is the coolest of South Africa’s wine regions. The cool climate, coupled with the unique aspects of its geography, creates perfect conditions for growing grapes that thrive in these conditions. Constantia is home to a Mediterranean climate that features foggy mornings, crisp and clear days and long, dry summers. Nights are normally cool and breezy. All this combines to create an unusual environment that produces some exceptional wines.
The three sub-regions of Constantia have their own micro-climates that give them unique characteristics. Sometimes known as the “Novelty Valley”, this area includes Bishopscourt Ridge and Klein Constantia Estate which both produce high quality wines from particular vineyards on their properties.