KLEIN CONSTANTIA ‘VIN DE CONSTANCE’ W 2016

Klein Constantia ‘Vin de Constance’ is one of the world’s most renowned and historic naturally sweet wines, produced at the legendary Klein Constantia estate in Constantia, South Africa. Crafted from Muscat de Frontignan, the wine recreates the celebrated sweet Constantia wines that were sought after by European royalty and aristocracy during the 18th and 19th centuries. The grapes are harvested in multiple passes as they naturally shrivel on the vine, concentrating their sugars and flavours while retaining the bright acidity essential to the wine’s extraordinary balance. This meticulous approach results in a wine of remarkable richness, complexity and longevity.

In the glass, Vin de Constance displays a brilliant golden to bright light-gold colour, deepening naturally with bottle age. The nose is intensely perfumed yet beautifully refined, revealing layers of Seville orange marmalade, ripe apricot, peach, citrus zest and quince, intertwined with white flowers, jasmine, rose water and delicate sandalwood. Further nuances of candied ginger, nutmeg, almond, vanilla and gentle spice add complexity, while subtle honeyed and caramelised aromas contribute to its luxurious character.

On the palate, Klein Constantia ‘Vin de Constance’ is rich, creamy and beautifully textured, with concentrated flavours of stone fruit, apricot, peach, citrus marmalade, quince and ripe apple. Notes of candied ginger, nutmeg, citrus peel, jasmine and delicate wood spice develop across the mid-palate, creating remarkable aromatic depth. Despite its natural sweetness, vibrant acidity and a subtle saline character provide freshness and precision, preventing the wine from becoming heavy. The harmony between concentrated fruit, residual sweetness and lively acidity is the defining feature of this extraordinary dessert wine.

The finish is exceptionally long, complex and evolving, with lingering flavours of marmalade, citrus peel, stone fruit, ginger, spice and delicate roasted-nut nuances. A subtle pithy or pleasantly bitter citrus character adds definition to the close, while the wine’s acidity carries the sweetness effortlessly through the palate. Its combination of concentrated fruit, natural acidity and careful maturation gives Vin de Constance extraordinary ageing potential, with the ability to develop for decades and, under ideal conditions, for generations.

Food Pairing: This luxurious sweet wine is exceptionally versatile at the table. Pair it with foie gras, pâté, blue-veined cheeses and mature washed-rind cheeses, where its sweetness and acidity provide a beautiful contrast to savoury richness. It is equally elegant with desserts featuring citrus, apricot, peach, quince, caramel or vanilla, as well as crème brûlée, fruit tarts and lightly spiced pastries. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a sophisticated after-dinner wine.

Serving Suggestion: Serve chilled at approximately 10–12°C to preserve its freshness while allowing its floral, citrus and stone-fruit aromas to unfold. Unlike many sweet wines, Vin de Constance benefits from time in the glass; allowing it to breathe for 10–15 minutes can reveal additional layers of marmalade, ginger, spice, flowers and dried fruit. Serve in a dessert-wine or medium-sized white-wine glass to appreciate its extraordinary perfume, silky texture and exceptionally persistent finish. The estate notes that the wine possesses the structure and balance to age for many decades.