We are so lucky here in the Constantia valley to be surrounded by such beautiful wine estates. From the larger, more commercial tourist spot, Groot Constantia, to the smaller, more boutique wineries and of course my very favourite spot in the valley, Constantia Glen. For those of you that haven't yet visited this charming wine farm, do yourselves a favour and put it on your to do list! Its definitely one of Constantia's best kept secrets!
Its more of an experience than a wine tasting. As soon as you arrive you are made to feel at home, and the staff go out of their way to ensure that you have the very best wine tasting experience possible. They are incredibly knowledgeable and very passionate about their wines. Home to the Constantia Glen range as well as their second label, Constantia Saddle, there is a wine for everybody. The cherry on top of the entire experience is the selection of tasty cheese and charcuterie platters perfectly designed to compliment the wines.
First wine to try is the Constantia Glen Sauvignon Blanc. This is by far my favourite! The 2012 is a typical Constantia Sauvignon Blanc - a lot of tropical fruit, and flinty minerality. Its intensely pleasant with a lingering follow through.
Next on the list is the Constantia Glen Two. Currently unavailable for tasting at the tasting room but do yourself a favour and grab a bottle to drink at home with a good prawn risotto or grilled salmon (both tried and tested!). Its a luxurious blend of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc, barrel fermented, with both fruit and minerality components. Drink now (like me) or keep for a few years.
On to the reds, starting with the Constantia Glen Three. This is a classic Constantia blend of the three most revered Bordeaux varieties:Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. This is a lovely cool climate red, full of flavour and delicious with a fillet steak on the braai!
The final wine in the Constantia Glen range is the Five. This is their flagship wine and its not hard to see (taste!) why. By far my very favourite South African Bordeaux style red, it contains all five of the archetypal Bordeaux varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Its smooth, smokey and simply divine. Enjoy this bottle with a lamb stew or a good blue cheese!
Constantia Glen tasting room is open weekdays from 10h00 - 17h00. Saturdays and Sundays from 10h00 - 16h00.
Tel: +27 (0)21 795 5639
Tel: +27 (0)21 795 5639
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