VALAP introduces you to...
Nestled on a breathtaking site, backed by the slopes of Table Mountain where the clouds graze the cliffs, the Klein Constantia vineyard showcases its full magnificence. The raw beauty of nature is ever-present here, where cold currents meet warm ones as the Atlantic and Indian Oceans converge: welcome to the Cape Peninsula, just 50km north of the Cape of Good Hope.
Understanding Klein Constantia begins with its setting—a unique location paired with equally unique climatic conditions!
Alongside the world-renowned Grand Vin de Constance, Klein Constantia also offers a range of exquisite dry red and white wines, crafted by a passionate and tightly-knit team. This level of dedication can only yield greatness. These wines are vibrant, elegant, and meticulously crafted, and as long as the team continues to honour the estate’s legendary status, Klein Constantia will keep elevating the world of wine.
What is Vin de Constance?
Depuis 1685, cette « petit gourde » de 500ml rayonne à travers le monde. Elle a d’abord conquis les cours royales puis a été l’égérie des plus illustres : de Baudelaire, à Brillat-Savarin en passant par Napoléon – évidemment - ou encore Alexandre Dumas…
Since 1685, this iconic 500ml bottle has been admired around the world. Initially gracing royal courts, it became the favorite of many notable figures—from Baudelaire to Brillat-Savarin, and even Napoleon and Alexandre Dumas.
Klein Constantia is known for its signature grape and commitment to a timeless style: a sweet wine with remarkable richness, yet an impressive energy. It’s this energy that sets Vin de Constance apart—where others emphasize power, Klein Constantia shines with elegance and finesse. From its first sip, the balance is perfect, leaving the palate refreshed, not fatigued. And with its near-immortal aging potential...
Klein Constantia offers a combination of exceptional qualities—rarity, prestige, and critical acclaim—making it a true icon!
Since 1685...
The legend began with Simon Van der Stel, the first governor of the Cape, who was captivated by the landscape and exceptional terroir of this unique peninsula. The "Cape wines" quickly gained widespread fame. However, in the late 19th century, production came to a halt, threatened by a major crisis—powdery mildew followed by phylloxera. It wasn’t until the 1980s, thanks to the dedication of wine enthusiast Douglas Jooste, that restoration efforts began. Since 2012, Hans Astrom (CEO) has been passionately working to restore the glory of this legendary wine.
A vineyard at the edge of the world
Vin de Constance is, above all, a wine deeply rooted in its terroir. This valley was selected over 320 years ago not just for its beauty, but also for its granite soils and unique microclimate. Where cold and warm ocean currents meet, the Atlantic and Indian Oceans converge, creating ideal conditions for perfect fruit ripening. To preserve the freshness, the grapes are hand-harvested at night, ensuring that the pristine quality of the fruit remains intact.
A raw diamond with global prestige
From its very first vintages, Vin de Constance captivated some of the world’s most influential figures. Kings, emperors, writers like Jane Austen and Alexandre Dumas, poets such as Baudelaire and Friedrich Gottlieb Klopstock—all have played a role in amplifying its international reputation. Today, this extraordinary wine is ranked among the "44 Greatest Wines of the World" in David Cobbold's renowned book The Great Wines and Vintages: The greatest wines in the world.
Vintage: 2019
Grape Variety: Muscat de Frontignan
Harvest: Hand-picked
Residual Sugar: 166g/L
Aging: 18 months in oak barrels (500L and large casks)
This 500ml bottle, with its historic and symbolic brown tones, is a direct homage to the 18th century. A truly iconic design.
Around the world, a few relics of the oldest bottles of Vin de Constance still exist. Renowned wine collector Michel-Jack Chasseuil is said to own a bottle dating back to 1791!
DID YOU KNOW?
Napoléon
During his exile, the Emperor, a great admirer of Klein Constantia, reportedly received between 563 and 1126 litres of his favourite wine each year! Some even say that the arsenic responsible for his poisoning was hidden in it...
Versailles
In 1782, the "King's Cellar" held an impressive stock of Cape wine, far surpassing that of Burgundy wines, which were highly esteemed by monarchs at the time.
The Founding Fathers
The American Founding Fathers were also lifelong admirers of Vin de Constance. George Washington, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson, among others, were captivated by this elixir, ranking it among the finest wines in the world.
