Klein Constantia Vin de Constance 1991-2019

BY NEAL MARTIN | JULY 25, 2022

Winemaker Matt Day, together with co-proprietor Hans Astrom, flew from South Africa recently to present a rare vertical tasting of their Vin de Constance that included the forthcoming 2019 vintage. As a quick primer: in the 18th and 19th centuries, Vin de Constance was made purely from Muscat de Frontignan but with shrivelled, not botrytised berries. It was one of the most esteemed wines in the world but disappeared in 1872 when winemaking in Constantia ceased, returning with the first commercialised vintage in 1986. For more information on its history, viticulture and winemaking, I recommend reading my previous article.

Matt Day tutored an insightful vertical at Trivet restaurant, despite an undiagnosed blood clot in his leg that sent him straight to hospital upon his return. He’s doing fine now thankfully!