Groot Constantia Sauvignon Blanc 2010

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 Africas oldest and best known estate. It is one of South Africas 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 Vintage: 2009 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. Alc/vol 13.58% Serve: Wok fried Calamari tubes in Lemon and garlic butter, cape salmon slow grilled on the coals. 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.

Distinct ripe fig and gooseberry flavours with green peppery and grassy undertones. GOLD Medal - Classic Wine Trophy Show 2011 Best Producer - Classic Wine Trophy Show 2011 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 that 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’. Grapes : 100% Sauvignon Blanc Region: South Africa / Constantia Maker : Boela Gerber Notes : A full-bodied white 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. Serve : Wok fried Calamari tubes in Lemon and garlic butter, cape salmon slow grilled on the coals. ABV : 14%