Klein Constantia, a historical South African wine estate, recently celebrated its 340th anniversary in London with a special tasting and lunch, led by winemaker Matt Day. Renowned for its iconic Vin de Constance, the estate has a storied past marked by significant figures like Frederick the Great and Thomas Jefferson, but this event focused more on its future and recent developments rather than merely honoring its history.
Matt Day, now the estate’s third winemaker since its revival in 1980, emphasized the importance of looking forward. He highlighted how historical achievements should not overshadow the understanding of the wine’s potential going forward. Alongside co-owner Charles Harman, he stressed the need to avoid being "submerged by our rich history."
The lunch coincided with the unveiling of the previously unreleased 2010 Vin de Constance, a vintage that had never been bottled until now. Originally deemed unfit for release, this rare wine had languished in the cellar for over 14 years. However, following a tasting session with Hubert de Boüard, a shareholder since Anwilka’s merger with Klein Constantia, the team decided to revive the vintage.
Day discussed how unconventional farming techniques in 2010 led to a minimal crop. Their decision to fully commit to organic and biodynamic practices resulted in just 10% of the normal production. After much care, including lengthy fermentation processes and a specific selection of grapes during harvesting, they created a unique character in the wine.
The investment from new ownership has revitalized the estate, fostering a more sustainable farming approach, replanting initiatives, and a newly rebuilt cellar. Day’s modern winemaking practices involve meticulous sorting of grapes and fermentation methods that incorporate various techniques to enhance the wine’s quality.
At the tasting, the newly released 2010 Vin de Constance revealed a bright amber hue and complex flavor profile. In addition to the 2010, older vintages—2009 and 2011—were presented, showcasing the evolution of Klein Constantia’s style. Day believes Vin de Constance should not only be reserved for special occasions, encouraging wine enthusiasts to enjoy it more casually.
The tasting featured discussions around food pairings that could complement the different styles of Vin de Constance, demonstrating its versatility. As the estate looks toward its future, Day hinted at another unreleased vintage from 2003, suggesting it could potentially be revealed during their 350th anniversary in 2035.
Tasting Notes
2010 Klein Constantia Vin de Constance Limited Edition
- ABV: 14%
- RS: 172g/l
- pH: 3.92
- Rating: 95
- Bright amber orange, intense and opulent with floral notes and a balance of sweetness and acidity.
2009 Klein Constantia Vin de Constance
- ABV: 14%
- RS: 160g/l
- pH: 3.6
- Rating: 93
- Deep amber color with intense fruitiness and zesty acidity.
2011 Klein Constantia Vin de Constance
- ABV: 13.27%
- RS: 152g/l
- pH: 3.6
- Rating: 90?
- Amber brown in color, marked by traditional characteristics but less refreshing than predecessors.
As Klein Constantia honors its past while innovating for the future, the estate’s evolution exemplifies the spirit of wine-making excellence that bridges history with modernity.