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Groot Constantia Sauvignon Blanc
Kevin's comments: A full bodied wine, showing typical character of Sauvignon Blanc, grown in a cool climate area like Constantia Valley. Distinct ripe fig and gooseberry flavours, with green pepper and grassy tones. An elegant wine with a fresh and complex finish.
GROOT CONSTANTIA SAUVIGNON BLANC
The heritage of Groot Constantia would be incomplete without regarding its setting. As important as the product of the grape is the beauty and significance of the architecture. The priceless Manor House and the buildings grouped around it are unequalled examples of Cape Dutch architecture both in majesty and simplicity. The collection of artefacts, including furniture and pieces of art, reflects the rich cultural tradition of the Cape.
Today the estate is owned by the Groot Constantia Trust which is committed to building upon the foundations of this South Africa's oldest and best known estate. It is one of South Africa's most visited tourist attractions.
The story of Groot Constantia goes back to 1685 when Simon van der Stel, later governor of the cape, was granted land for a farm on the Eastern side of Table Mountain which he named Constantia. After several changes of ownership, it was sold to the Cloete family in 1778 and held by them for 5 generations until 1885. They were forced to sell owing to the vine disease phylloxera which ravaged the vineyards and it then became the property of the Cape government.
The total estate covers 165 hectares of which 87 hectares are currently planted, at a height of 60-280 metres above sea level. The type of climate is generally cool resulting in complex and balanced wines.
Their winemaker, Boela Gerber, was recently awarded the Trophy for Diners Club Young Winemaker of the Year.
GROOT CONSTANTIA SAUVIGNON BLANC
Grapes: 100% Estate grown Sauvignon.
Soil: Glenrosa and Hutton
Vinification: The grapes were picked when fully ripe from two different vineyards on high and low vineyards. Made using reductive methods and fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. Skin contact lasted 8 hours. No wood maturation was used.
Serve: Chilled as an aperitif or to accompany seafood, pasta and chicken dishes.
Taste: A full-bodied wine showing the typical character of the Sauvignon Blanc grown in the cool climate of Constantia Valley. Distinct ripe fig and gooseberry flavours with green peppery and grassy undertones. An elegant wine with a fresh acidity and a diverse complexity.
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