Klein Constantia Vin de Constance 2021

Klein Constantia sits in the Constantia valley above False Bay near Cape Town, a South African estate founded in 1685 and famous for reviving Vin de Constance, a sweet wine once prized across Europe. It is made from Muscat de Frontignan, a small-berried Muscat that gives the wine its perfume. The grapes are left on the vine to over-ripen and partly shrivel, so the sugar concentrates without relying on noble rot. The valley's cool maritime breezes off the Atlantic moderate the Cape heat and stretch out the ripening, which preserves the acidity that keeps the wine balanced. After a long, slow fermentation that leaves heavy residual sugar, the wine ages in barrel, where slow oxygen exchange through the oak adds a light vanilla and toasted frame and builds the waxy, honeyed texture the style is known for. The colour is deep gold. The nose is apricot, orange marmalade and honey with white peach, beeswax and citrus peel. The palate is rich and sweet but cut by a firm line of acidity, leaving a long, fresh finish. Serve chilled, around 10 to 12 degrees, in a small glass.