The great 2021 vintage enjoyed a long, cool ripening period – ideal conditions for the raisined Muscat de Frontignan grapes to reach uber-ripe intensity and sweetness. Produced with the absence of botrytis or dried grapes, this vintage is a combination of 25 batches, offering terrific complexity, elegance, haunting aromatics and a detailed palate. Under Matt Day’s guidance, Vin de Constance has become even finer and more precise. Gone is any sense of cloying, syrupy fruit or oakiness, only light-footed balance. It’s little wonder Tim Atkin MW has just named Vin de Constance 2021 as his ‘Overall Sweet Wine of the Year’. 300 years of excellence, improved.
Vin de Constance 2021: ‘Overall Sweet Wine of the Year!’ – Tim Atkin
Vin de Constance 2021
‘Overall Sweet Wine of the Year!’ – Tim Atkin
South Africa is producing finer wines than ever before – a testament to a deeply rooted wine culture and an industry that’s re-imagined itself in the last three decades. But long before all the recent 95+ pointers were cracking the headlines, there was this famous sweet wine from Constantia, one of the greatest and most sought-after in history. The modern Klein Constantia Vin de Constance 2021, from a near-perfect year, is a revelation. Matthew Jukes’ tasting note brings this South African treasure to life. Above all, ‘It will age forever – we know the rules, but I think that impatient collectors and daring restaurateurs might crack on with this beauty indecently early in its lifespan because it is already so utterly mesmerising.’
