About this WINE
Constantia Glen
Constantia Glen is the newest of the eight wineries which have established themselves in the enclave of Constantia in South Africa, close to Cape Town itself. A landscape with a rich viticultural history, it is widely regarded as one of the country’s finest natural areas in which to produce premium wine.
Although the region is more commonly known for its white varietals, Constantia Glen’s unique position – lying between a gap in the mountains – allows red grapes to mature perfectly here as they bask in an additional one and a half hours’ sunlight every day. As such, Constantia Glen has made a name for its elegant, complex and beautifully balanced Bordeaux blends, wines which show exceptional value for money.
The red wines are based on the traditional Bordeaux grapes. The “Three” uses Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot; while the “Five” has the addition of Malbec and Petit Verdot.
The reds are joined by two whites: a refreshing, crisp and classically proportioned Sauvignon Blanc and an energetic blend, the “Two”, which is made predominantly with Sauvignon Blanc (as one of the most aromatically pure examples in the country), with a touch of Sémillon to enhance its many layers.
Constantia
The historically important if tiny wine district of Constantia lies in Cape Town’s southern wards, and on the most southerly point of Africa, the Cape of Good Hope.
Constantia is most famous for its ancient dessert wine Vin de Constance (made from Muscat de Frontignan) as produced by Klein Constantia estate.
The cooling, south-easterly sea breezes make Constantia a natural site for Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon as well as Muscat.
The district is home to a mere 8 wine estates, including Klein Constantia, Groot Constantia, Buitervenwachting, Constantia Uitsig, Eagles' Nest, Steenberg, Constantia Glen
Other Varieties
There are over 200 different grape varieties used in modern wine making (from a total of over 1000). Most lesser known blends and varieties are traditional to specific parts of the world.
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Description
The Five of the title refers to the five Bordeaux varietals which form the blend of Constantia Glen’s flagship wine. 36% Cabernet Franc, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Petti Verdot, 14% Malbec and 13% Merlot aged in 100% new French oak barriques for 16.5 months. The important month of February was rather cool, giving rise to some concern, but fortunately March proved hot and dry, imbuing the grapes with wonderful concentration as well as ripeness without over-maturity. The core flavour is blackberry with notes of cassis and red plum. The tannins are abundant but are fine-grained so do not come across as austere or aggressive. There is a textural richness on the mid-palate which is rewarding and although the wine will undoubtedly age very well for several years it is soft enough to drink now. Decant one hour before serving, and try with beef or lamb.
Stuart Rae - Private Account Manager
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