Welcome to Wines of the World…
“I shall drink no wine before it’s time! OK, it’s time.” -- Groucho Marx
In this issue of of Wines of the World, we are traveling back in time (the 1600's), to a land, sadly, I do not know much of.., and one of the oldest grapes in existence… Known for it's vast amount of minerals, gem stones.., and beautiful beaches -- it also posses some of the most beautiful vineyards around… South Africa!
Although considered a "New World" wine region South Africa has been producing wine non-stop.., since 1685. Constantia is not only the oldest wine producing region in the Southern Hemisphere, it is in the ideal spot to grow grapes -- situated right between the mountains and the bay (so Im told, never been there). This type of terroir (soil, earth, climate) provide it with a.., truly unique character.
Considered to be almost mythical.., the wines of Constantia have been enjoyed by the likes of Jane Austen, Baudelaire and much of the royalty of the 18th century, while also being one of the most famous vineyards of the New World. And back in the day, the sweet (dessert) wine of Constantia was one of the best in the world. I mean, every major wine collector, of the time, had this in their cellar!
So, for the first South African wine it only right to start with a vineyard that is considered to be.., one of the most beautiful in the world… Klein Constantia -- which dates back to 1685. Set in the most perfect location, to be blessed with cool ocean breezes and some very unique soil, producing some of the best naturally sweet dessert wine in history…
“Wine is one of the most civilized things in the world and one of the most natural things of the world that has been brought to the greatest perfection, and it offers a greater range for enjoyment and appreciation than, possibly, any other purely sensory thing.”
-- Ernest Hemingway
-- Ernest Hemingway
Klein Constantia -- VIN DE CONSTANCE 2007
Grape: Muscat de Frontignan
Natural Sweet Dessert Wine
Coming from the Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains grape ((Muscat de Frontignan), one of the oldest grapes in the world, these grapes inspired Lord Byron's poem -- "Fill high the bowl with Samian wine." (that's an impressive grape). The amber, burnished copper color is almost mystical…
One of the reasons Im reviewing and recommending this wine is.., it transports you back in time. Paired with a nice cheese, after a good meal --
and you feel like freakin' royalty!
Im not joking about the whole royalty thing, either… Once delivered, on a regular basis, to Buckingham Palace for the King. Napoleon Bonaparte even requested a glass of Constantia Wyn on his deathbed. And the 2007, which is the one I recently had the pleasure of sampling.., is the highest rated South African wine, ever!
Tasting Notes:
This wine just oozes sophistication… Fresh like spring.., and ethereal by nature. It's impressive and explosive aromas, are a sign of the caress and delicate care, it takes to produce such a bewitching and historic wine.
Nose: Even before basking in the magical deep color of this iconic wine, you are greeted with a brilliant bouquet… Besides the organically, natural aromas of orange, peach, apricot and lavender.., there is a subtle but unmistakable whiff of.., sandalwood and even some clove spice.
Palate: that orange aroma comes across more like a bittersweet orange marmalade, with a restrained tight acidity, balancing out the sweetness of pear, peach and honeysuckle beautifully.
Finish: The long lasting finish screams brilliant wine making… With amazing honey fruits and a slight nuttiness lingering on the tongue, providing a perfectly multi-layered finish that brings out some lesser but pleasantly surprising notes of ginger and more exotic spices.
Pour: 3 oz.
Food Pairing:
Cheese, Pâté, Foie gras
Warm Chocolate Fondant (lava cake), Crème brûlée, Biscotti
Cost: $60
(though not cheap, this wine should be experienced)
Side Note: Plus, you can pop this in the fridge and it's good for another 2-4 weeks.., as opposed to a normal wine, which many people keep for 3-5 days (2-3 max for me), so you have a bit more time to polish off that yummy dessert wine…
Bonus:
Damn.., they have glass for everything… Or you could just use a coffee mug, you can start drinking earlier in the day, without getting any of those -- sideways looks… :))
P.S.,
These guys also make a pretty damn good Sauvignon Blanc
Image Source: 1 2 3 4