2024 Klein Constantia Sauvignon Blanc

About Klein Constantia

Klein Constantia is a 370 acre estate located in the Cape Town suburb of Constantia, South Africa. Founded in 1685, the original estate Groot (meaning large) Constantia, was split up after the death of owner Simon van der Stel in 1712. History suggests that Klein Constantia resulted from the sale of part of the original estate in 1823 and that viticulture and winemaking, which had begun in 1709, continued until the early 20th century. When Duggie Jooste bought the estate in 1980, it was virtually derelict, no wine had been produced since 1930. Together with viticulturist Ernst Le Roux and winemaker Ross Gower, Duggie refurbished Klein Constantia’s reputation for quality red and white wines and revived production of its namesake Vin de Constance. In late 2011, Duggie sold the estate to investors, Czech-born U.S. citizen Zdenek Bakala and British investment banker Charles Harman.

Of the 200 acres planted to vine, most are to white varieties with 90% of the property on south facing slopes. The vineyards, planted on well-draining, decomposed granite with high clay content, are located six miles from the South Atlantic Ocean. The maritime influence helps to preserve the natural acidity of the grapes over an extended growing season.

A 2012 merger with Anwilka not only guarantees the steady supply of red wine grapes, but also additional cellar space. Current winemaker Matthew Day, along with general director Hans Astrom and viticulturist Stiaan Cloete, are responsible for managing a long list of improvements ‒ a complete restructuring of the vineyards, continuing a conversion to organic farming which began in 2010, and modernizing the cellar and winery. Klein Constantia currently has plantings of Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Chardonnay, Semillon, Muscat de Frontignan, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Malbec.