The wine teems with the full gamut of Sauvignon blanc flavours from mineral to intensely tropical, whilst the Semillon component (13%) adds weight, freshness and a richness on the palate. This is the second Constantia Glen Sauvignon blanc to include a notable component of Semillon in the blend.
Semillon adds a wonderful richness to the mouthfeel of the wine and lends additional capacity to ageing. We have experimented with the tiny Semillon vineyard on Constantia Glen since 2007 and found great balance for inclusion in 2010, says seasoned winemaker Karl Lambour.
An additional feature of this wine is the miniscule but meaningful incorporation of 6% barrel fermented wine.
Constantia as a region offers wines that age beautifully yet offers some elements of leanness in youth. Our aim with the barrel fermented portion was to add fullness and richness at the outset and in so doing fashion a complex and complete wine, explains Karl.
Unlike many producers who release their Sauvignon blancs soon after the harvest season, Constantia Glen holds back their wine for 16 months prior to release allowing for about 6 months of bottle maturation to round out the flavours and stabilise the aromatics.
Cool climate Sauvignon blanc wines benefit dramatically from bottle ageing before release and ours is a prime example of this phenomenon, adds Karl.
The 2010 Constantia Glen Sauvignon Blanc has uplifting aromas of ripe guava, gooseberry, nectarine and mango with striking floral notes of elder, gooseberry and wild fennel.
It's a complex array of aromas that offers ethereal notes now and will develop haunting intricacy with age, says Karl.
The wine has a vibrant intensity on the palate. The small portion of barrel ferment and subtle use of lees after fermentation has resulted in a chalky and weighty texture balanced with the classic Constantia mineral backbone.
The wine has elegant line and length and is refined, fleshy yet focussed and refreshing, says Karl who considers this by far their best effort yet.
Karl recommends this wine to be enjoyed with asparagus, pancetta and dill mayonnaise; salmon tataki with a caper cream; or veal wrapped in prosciutto served with homemade pasta and basil pesto.
The 2010 vintage is available at selected boutique wine stores and fine dining restaurants and sells from the cellar door at R100 per bottle.
The Constantia Glen Tasting Room, situated towards the top of Constantia Main road, is open for tastings 7 days a week from 10h00-16h00.
Call Tel: 021-795 5639
