Sauvignon Blanc Constantia Uitsig 2022 75cl ABV 13.5%

Intense, pure fruit and characteristic Constantia freshness. A masterful balance between soft texture and fine bone structure.

Constantia is South Africa’s oldest wine region, first planted in the late 1600s when Simon van der Stel (first governor of the Dutch Cape) saw the viticultural potential of this sheltered valley, nestled beneath the mighty Table Mountain, and tempered by Atlantic breezes.

Constantia Uitsig (meaning ‘view’ in Afrikaans) was originally part of the large Constantia Farm (established in 1685), which has been subdivided over the years. In 1894, what is now Constantia Uitsig was founded as Constantia View. In 1941, the name was changed to Constantia Uitsig (returning to its Afrikaans roots). 

Current owners, David and Marlene McCay (who purchased the estate in 1988), are devoted to sustainability and conservation. They are restoring their land to its indigenous state, where local ‘fynbos’ can grow uninhibited, a haven for flora and fauna alike. The 17 hectares of vineyards, planted on the Cape’s characteristic decomposed granite and sandstone soils, are farmed organically, promoting biodiversity.

Set in this landscape is the spectacular new winery - a futuristic glass structure ‘where art meets science and chemistry’, to paraphrase Head Winemaker Daniel Keulder. Passionate about Constantia, Daniel’s aim is to create wines true to its unique terroir. Drawing on modern and traditional techniques, his wines are finely wrought, with the emphasis on freshness and purity of fruit.

Vineyard Information

Location: Constantia is situated on the Cape Peninsula, surrounded by water and constantly buffeted by the Cape Doctor – a southeasterly wind that comes in off the ocean and cools the vines down, helping retain acidity in the grapes. The region also gets shade from the looming Constantiaberg Mountain, which helps form a mountain amphitheatre around the region.

Climate: Mediterranean. One of the coolest winemaking regions in South Africa, thanks to the cool sea breezes off False Bay during the growing season.

Soil: Ancient deposits of decomposed granite. These soils are well drained and fertile, with a high clay content. Water absorbed by the clay during wet winters helps to keep the vines hydrated over the dry summers.

Philosophy: Farming follows organic principles, with an emphasis on sustainability. Constantia Uitsig have cover cropping, mulching and integrated pest management programmes. The vineyards are intended to be a haven for indigenous flora and fauna - welcoming a diverse range of beneficial insects and colourful flowers, whilst their farm-made compost enriches the soils.

 Winemaking Details

Grape variety: 87% Sauvignon Blanc and 13% Semillon

Fermentation: In stainless steel tanks, except for a small proportion which was fermented in a concrete tank, giving a soft texture.

Maturation: Matured on the lees for four months, to enhance texture, before blending and bottling.

Tasting Note

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc with plenty of grass, gooseberry and lemon zest on the nose. Tropical fruit flavours with a refreshing citrus and mineral finish.