2021 Klein Constantia Vin de Constance

Type of Wine | White |
---|---|
Country | South Africa |
Region | |
Appellation | Constantia (Appellation) |
Winery | |
Vintage | 2021 |
Grape | Muscat de Fontignan |
Content (Alc) | 0.5 ltr (13.5%) |
Drink window | 2025 - 2062 |
In stock
10 items available
Description
Described as one of the world’s most beautiful vineyards, Klein Constantia is nestled amidst ancient trees and lush greenery at the foot of the Constantiaberg, with stunning views across the Constantia Valley and False Bay. The 146-hectare wine farm was originally part of “Constantia”, a vast estate established in 1685 by Simon van der Stel, the first Governor of the Cape. This particular valley was chosen not only for its beauty but also for the decomposed granite soils on its slopes, which are gently cooled by sea breezes. The perfect location for cool climate wines, Klein Constantia produces some of South Africa’s finest wines, including one of the world’s finest natural sweet wines, Vin de Constance.
The approach used to create Vin de Constance is unique to Klein Constantia, based on historical information to create these iconic sweet wines of Constantia as it was done in 1700. From these traditions a style has been created that makes Muscat de Frontignan a perfect sweet wine. One of the key aspects to achieving balance is the harvesting of different plots at different stages of maturation over a period of 2 months. Each picking has a precise purpose and is intended to achieve a perfect balance between sugar, alcohol and acidity. After a longer fermentation period the wine is matured for 3 years in a combination of 50% new oak and 50% acacia barrels.
In the glass the wine appears almost pure gold in colour. The nose is seductive. Sweet but also fresh and this is what makes this wine so special. The wine has precise but delicate aromas of white flowers, ripe citrus and a hint of rosewater and almonds. The taste is in perfect harmony with a lush mouthfeel. Flavours of creamy stone fruit, lychee, citrus peel and lively spices are in abundance and create an ideal balance. It ends with a lively but complex long finish. The combination of residual sugar and alcohol content has a well-known preservative effect on bottled wine. This wine can age for many decades if not generations.
FACT: The wine is stored in our air-conditioned Wine Warehouse and if you come to collect the wine you will also receive a nice discount.
Specifications
Type of Wine | White |
---|---|
Country | South Africa |
Region | Western Cape |
Appellation | Constantia (Appellation) |
Icons | Icon South Africa |
Winery | Klein Constantia |
Grape | Muscat de Fontignan |
Biological certified | No |
Natural wine | No |
Vegan | No |
Vintage | 2021 |
Drinking as of | 2025 |
Drinking till | 2062 |
Alcohol % | 13.5 |
Alcohol free/low | No |
Content | 0.5 ltr |
Oak aging | Yes |
Sparkling | No |
Dessert wine | Yes |
Closure | Cork |
Parker rating | 97 |
James Suckling rating | 95 |
Vinous rating | 97 |
Tasting Profiles | Aromatisch, Bloemig, Fruitig, Krachtig, Kruidig, Rijk, Rond, Steenfruit, Tropisch fruit, Vol, Wit fruit, Zoet |
Drink moments | Cadeau!, Met vrienden |
Professional Reviews
Parker
The Wine Advocate
RP 97
Reviewed by:
Anthony Mueller
Release Price:
$140
Drink Date:
2023 - 2070
Classic and expressive with seductive aromas of marmalade and honeysuckle, the 2020 Vin de Constance Natural Sweet Wine is fresh, balanced and complex, offering a delightful lift from 60% new oak. Clocking in at 13.5% alcohol, the palate displays a harmonious balance between fruit sweetness and energetic acidity. It has layers of complexity with impeccable breadth and depth. It may be one of the finest expressions of Vin de Constance to date, and it ends with succulent flavors of apricots, saffron, quince paste and sweet candied citrus tones over the long, ever-evolving finish. Aged for a year and a half in 50% new Hungarian and French oak barrels, followed by an additional year and a half of large format wooden foudre, only the best lots end up being selected for the final blend. Bravo! Run, don’t walk to buy this world-class sweet wine to put in your cellar!
Published: Dec 29, 2023
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
James Suckling
Score
95
Avg Price (ex-tax)
$ 103
Klein Constantia Constantia Vin de Constance Natural Sweet Wine 2021
Thursday, Jun 27, 2024
Color
Dessert
Country
South Africa
Region
Coastal Region
Vintage
2021
Dried apples, apricots, honey and light caramel with some flowers on both the nose and palate. Medium-bodied, sweet but not overpowering, showing lots of freshness and focus. Tangy at the end, but so polished and caressing on the palate. Drink or hold.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
Vinous
97
Drinking Window
2025 - 2045
From: South Africa: Where Are We Now? (Sep 2024)
The 2021 Vin de Constance comes from 27 different batches with two weeks on the skins. With 173.5 grams per liter of residual sugar (the same as 2020), it presents a very pure bouquet, effervescent with quince, orange zest and just a hint of marmalade—wonderfully delineated and focused. The palate is supremely well balanced with a viscous entry and extremely good weight in the mouth, but the acidity (6.3 grams per liter) keeps this on its toes. Quite spicy on the finish, this lingers long in the mouth, and I can still feel it 30 seconds after it has departed. There’s real freshness and electricity here. Outstanding.
- By Neal Martin on August 2024
Renowned for its historic sweet Vin de Constance, perhaps some are unaware of Klein Constantia’s limited production of Sauvignon Blanc, winemaker Matt Day’s passion since working in the Loire Valley. These are definitely worth seeking out, especially his Clara cuvée in 2023. But the Vin de Constance is the headliner, and the latest release was a result of blending 27 different lots. The wine is purer, lighter on its feet than older iterations, and is approachable, yet I feel destined to reward bottle age (if you can resist temptation).
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
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Wijnhuis
Described as one of the world's most beautiful vineyards, Klein Constantia is set among centuries-old trees and lush greenery at the foot of Mount Constantia, with stunning views over the Constantia Valley and False Bay. The 146 hectare wine farm was originally part of "Constantia", a huge estate founded in 1685 by Simon van der Stel, the first governor of the Cape. This particular valley was chosen not only for its beauty, but also for the decomposed granite soils on its slopes, which are gently cooled by sea breezes. The perfect location for cool climate wines, Klein Constantia produces some of South Africa's finest wines, including one of the world's best natural sweet wines, Vin de Constance.
Described as one of the world’s most beautiful vineyards, Klein Constantia is nestled amidst ancient trees and lush greenery at the foot of the Constantiaberg, with stunning views across the Constantia Valley and False Bay. The 146-hectare wine farm was originally part of “Constantia”, a vast estate established in 1685 by Simon van der Stel, the first Governor of the Cape. This particular valley was chosen not only for its beauty but also for the decomposed granite soils on its slopes, which are gently cooled by sea breezes. The perfect location for cool climate wines, Klein Constantia produces some of South Africa’s finest wines, including one of the world’s finest natural sweet wines, Vin de Constance.
The approach used to create Vin de Constance is unique to Klein Constantia, based on historical information to create these iconic sweet wines of Constantia as it was done in 1700. From these traditions a style has been created that makes Muscat de Frontignan a perfect sweet wine. One of the key aspects to achieving balance is the harvesting of different plots at different stages of maturation over a period of 2 months. Each picking has a precise purpose and is intended to achieve a perfect balance between sugar, alcohol and acidity. After a longer fermentation period the wine is matured for 3 years in a combination of 50% new oak and 50% acacia barrels.
In the glass the wine appears almost pure gold in colour. The nose is seductive. Sweet but also fresh and this is what makes this wine so special. The wine has precise but delicate aromas of white flowers, ripe citrus and a hint of rosewater and almonds. The taste is in perfect harmony with a lush mouthfeel. Flavours of creamy stone fruit, lychee, citrus peel and lively spices are in abundance and create an ideal balance. It ends with a lively but complex long finish. The combination of residual sugar and alcohol content has a well-known preservative effect on bottled wine. This wine can age for many decades if not generations.
FACT: The wine is stored in our air-conditioned Wine Warehouse and if you come to collect the wine you will also receive a nice discount.
Type of Wine | White |
---|---|
Country | South Africa |
Region | Western Cape |
Appellation | Constantia (Appellation) |
Icons | Icon South Africa |
Winery | Klein Constantia |
Grape | Muscat de Fontignan |
Biological certified | No |
Natural wine | No |
Vegan | No |
Vintage | 2021 |
Drinking as of | 2025 |
Drinking till | 2062 |
Alcohol % | 13.5 |
Alcohol free/low | No |
Content | 0.5 ltr |
Oak aging | Yes |
Sparkling | No |
Dessert wine | Yes |
Closure | Cork |
Parker rating | 97 |
James Suckling rating | 95 |
Vinous rating | 97 |
Tasting Profiles | Aromatisch, Bloemig, Fruitig, Krachtig, Kruidig, Rijk, Rond, Steenfruit, Tropisch fruit, Vol, Wit fruit, Zoet |
Drink moments | Cadeau!, Met vrienden |
Parker
The Wine Advocate
RP 97
Reviewed by:
Anthony Mueller
Release Price:
$140
Drink Date:
2023 - 2070
Classic and expressive with seductive aromas of marmalade and honeysuckle, the 2020 Vin de Constance Natural Sweet Wine is fresh, balanced and complex, offering a delightful lift from 60% new oak. Clocking in at 13.5% alcohol, the palate displays a harmonious balance between fruit sweetness and energetic acidity. It has layers of complexity with impeccable breadth and depth. It may be one of the finest expressions of Vin de Constance to date, and it ends with succulent flavors of apricots, saffron, quince paste and sweet candied citrus tones over the long, ever-evolving finish. Aged for a year and a half in 50% new Hungarian and French oak barrels, followed by an additional year and a half of large format wooden foudre, only the best lots end up being selected for the final blend. Bravo! Run, don’t walk to buy this world-class sweet wine to put in your cellar!
Published: Dec 29, 2023
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
James Suckling
Score
95
Avg Price (ex-tax)
$ 103
Klein Constantia Constantia Vin de Constance Natural Sweet Wine 2021
Thursday, Jun 27, 2024
Color
Dessert
Country
South Africa
Region
Coastal Region
Vintage
2021
Dried apples, apricots, honey and light caramel with some flowers on both the nose and palate. Medium-bodied, sweet but not overpowering, showing lots of freshness and focus. Tangy at the end, but so polished and caressing on the palate. Drink or hold.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
Vinous
97
Drinking Window
2025 - 2045
From: South Africa: Where Are We Now? (Sep 2024)
The 2021 Vin de Constance comes from 27 different batches with two weeks on the skins. With 173.5 grams per liter of residual sugar (the same as 2020), it presents a very pure bouquet, effervescent with quince, orange zest and just a hint of marmalade—wonderfully delineated and focused. The palate is supremely well balanced with a viscous entry and extremely good weight in the mouth, but the acidity (6.3 grams per liter) keeps this on its toes. Quite spicy on the finish, this lingers long in the mouth, and I can still feel it 30 seconds after it has departed. There’s real freshness and electricity here. Outstanding.
- By Neal Martin on August 2024
Renowned for its historic sweet Vin de Constance, perhaps some are unaware of Klein Constantia’s limited production of Sauvignon Blanc, winemaker Matt Day’s passion since working in the Loire Valley. These are definitely worth seeking out, especially his Clara cuvée in 2023. But the Vin de Constance is the headliner, and the latest release was a result of blending 27 different lots. The wine is purer, lighter on its feet than older iterations, and is approachable, yet I feel destined to reward bottle age (if you can resist temptation).
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
Exclusive Content
Sign in to unlock professional wine reviews from world-renowned critics
Described as one of the world's most beautiful vineyards, Klein Constantia is set among centuries-old trees and lush greenery at the foot of Mount Constantia, with stunning views over the Constantia Valley and False Bay. The 146 hectare wine farm was originally part of "Constantia", a huge estate founded in 1685 by Simon van der Stel, the first governor of the Cape. This particular valley was chosen not only for its beauty, but also for the decomposed granite soils on its slopes, which are gently cooled by sea breezes. The perfect location for cool climate wines, Klein Constantia produces some of South Africa's finest wines, including one of the world's best natural sweet wines, Vin de Constance.