Klein Constantia
Brut Méthode Cap Classique Chardonnay
Constantia, Coastal Region, Western Cape, South Africa
Big day tasting in Constantia so minimal notes; pale lemon; medium intensity aromas of lemon, underripe stone fruit, very subtle lees; dry, high acid, medium alcohol, medium body, medium intensity flavors consistent with aromas; medium finish
Big day tasting in Constantia so minimal notes; pale lemon; medium intensity aromas of lemon, underripe stone fruit, very subtle lees; dry, high acid, medium alcohol, medium body, medium intensity flavors consistent with aromas; medium finish
Feb 18th, 2020
Our first stop on the Cape was the historic Estate of Klein Constantia, established in 1685 by the VOC Governor of the Cape, Simon van der Stel. The Dutch established the Western Cape wine growing region in the 1600’s as a rest and resupply stop for their trading ships sailing around Africa enroute to their many trade partners of the Far East etc..
The nose reveals; slightly bruised apple & pear, white citrus, notes of apple cider, white peach, cream, vanillin notes, nice, soft chalkiness, gentle minerality with spring flowers and yellow lilies.
The body is quite light, lively, tightly beaded, rich creamy texture, slightly bruised apple & pear, white citrus, notes of apple cider, white peach, cream, vanillin & ginger notes, nice, soft chalkiness, heavier minerality one palate than the nose with spring flowers and lilies.
Photos of, their Estate vines with the majestic mountains painting the background, A-frames for riddling the new vintage of this sparkling wine, the grounds surrounding the Estate and their tasting bar.
Our first stop on the Cape was the historic Estate of Klein Constantia, established in 1685 by the VOC Governor of the Cape, Simon van der Stel. The Dutch established the Western Cape wine growing region in the 1600’s as a rest and resupply stop for their trading ships sailing around Africa enroute to their many trade partners of the Far East etc..
The nose reveals; slightly bruised apple & pear, white citrus, notes of apple cider, white peach, cream, vanillin notes, nice, soft chalkiness, gentle minerality with spring flowers and yellow lilies.
The body is quite light, lively, tightly beaded, rich creamy texture, slightly bruised apple & pear, white citrus, notes of apple cider, white peach, cream, vanillin & ginger notes, nice, soft chalkiness, heavier minerality one palate than the nose with spring flowers and lilies.
Photos of, their Estate vines with the majestic mountains painting the background, A-frames for riddling the new vintage of this sparkling wine, the grounds surrounding the Estate and their tasting bar.
First stop this week in the Western Cape. Just landed in South Africa about two hours before getting to the estate. Was not sure what to expect this visit since last time we just did a quick standing tasting at the bar. Colin was an amazing host giving us a wine safari drive around the vineyards and dams before going down into the facilities and the owners private cellar.
Near the top of the estate Colin popped and poured some of this Brut MCC from the estate. Light greenish yellow with a creamy nose layered with green apples. Moderate acidity (6.5/10) on the palate with a light plus body. Very clean and fresh with some citrus zest, brioche and apples. Medium plus length finish. Drink till 2020.
Made out of 100% Chardonnay and disgorged two weeks prior to tasting (December 2017). Aged for two and a half years on the lees.
First stop this week in the Western Cape. Just landed in South Africa about two hours before getting to the estate. Was not sure what to expect this visit since last time we just did a quick standing tasting at the bar. Colin was an amazing host giving us a wine safari drive around the vineyards and dams before going down into the facilities and the owners private cellar.
Near the top of the estate Colin popped and poured some of this Brut MCC from the estate. Light greenish yellow with a creamy nose layered with green apples. Moderate acidity (6.5/10) on the palate with a light plus body. Very clean and fresh with some citrus zest, brioche and apples. Medium plus length finish. Drink till 2020.
Made out of 100% Chardonnay and disgorged two weeks prior to tasting (December 2017). Aged for two and a half years on the lees.
Brioche; hint of pineapple on the initial pour; and a nice, balanced finish. Lovely.
Brioche; hint of pineapple on the initial pour; and a nice, balanced finish. Lovely.
Jul 5th, 2019
