Groot Constantia is the oldest wine estate in South Africa and has a remarkable history including having King Louis Philippe of France as their best customer! Today they make exceptional wines in a sub-region of the Western cape called Constantia which is near Cape Town.
The touch of red muscat gives the wine a beautiful amber colour. The nose of the 2018 Grand Constance shows an abundance of ripe and dried fruit, like crushed pineapple, apricot and raisins. The ageing in barrels adds some wood spice and a hint of honey to the wine. The dried fruit and honey follow on the palate, and a fresh acidity balances the sweetness.
The Muscat grapes are grown in a vineyard block right next to the famous Manor House, which is situated at 80 to 90 metres above sea level. The low yielding vines are planted on a south-east facing slope. The climate is Mediterranean with cooling breezes from the Atlantic Ocean encouraging balance and complexity in the grapes.