The grapes to produce Shiraz Constantia Groot Constantia were handed picked at 25°C Balling and fermented in open tanks. A post-fermentation maceration lasted for approximately four weeks. Shiraz Constantia Groot Constantia was then matured for 14 months in 24% new French oak, 42% in second passage, 30% in third passage and 4% in fourth passage oak, which added complexity to the resulting wine.
The vineyards are tucked in the steep valley on the eastern side of Table Mountain. The climate is Mediterranean with cooling breezes from the Atlantic Ocean encouraging balance and complexity in the grapes. The average rainfall is approximately 1,100mm per annum. The soils are predominantly Clovelly and Glenrosa- a gravelly soil with low fertility. The climate, combined with the cool southern slopes and deep mountain soils provide the ideal setting for the making of these top quality wines.
Groot Constantia is South Africa’s oldest estate and one of South Africa’s most visited tourist attractions. In 1685 Cape Governor Simon van der Stel built a farm in the foothills of Table Mountain, which he named Constantia. The winery received world acclaim from Napoleon, Bismarck and King Louis Philippe of France who was the biggest single buyer of Groot Constantia wines. They had to sell to the Cape government after phylloxera ravaged the vineyards. Now, the total estate covers 165 hectares of which 87 hectares are planted, at an altitude of 60 to 280 metres above sea level. The climate is generally cool resulting in complex and balanced wines.
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