Constantia Glen

Constantia Glen is the newest of the eight wineries which have established themselves in the enclave of Constantia wine region of South Africa, near Stellenbosch, an area with a rich viticultural history, widely regarded as one of the finest natural areas in which to produce premium wine.

The Constantia Glen wines each show exceptional value for money and a level of complexity and balance rarely seen in South African wines at this price point. The red wines are based on Bordeaux blends (the 'Three' using Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, and the 'Five' with the addition of Malbec and Petit Verdot). In the video opposite Alexander Weibel tells us about Constantia Glen, their ethos and, of course, their wines.

Proprietor Alex Waibel has identified a little micro-climate in which to plant vines between the mountains and the sea and has engaged as winemaker Karl Lambour, a man with a wealth of experience of producing Bordeaux-style wines, having spent time at several top Bordeaux chateaux.

The sub-soils within the vineyard are either clay-rich, which suits the Merlot grape, or decomposed granite, which is ideal for the Cabernets, so it is entirely logical that Bordeaux-style blends are the favoured option here. Despite 2007 being their maiden vintage, the red wines from Constantia Glen have already acquired a reputation as amongst South Africa’s very finest Bordeaux-style wines.

The refreshing, satisfying white wine is made predominantly with Sauvignon Blanc,(as one of the most aromatically pure examples in the country), with a touch of Semillon to enhance its many layers.