Muscat
50cl * 14% ABV * Constantia, South Africa
One of the great sweet wines of the world, Vin de Constance has a 300-year-old history and has been enjoyed by the likes of Austen, Baudelaire and Dickens. Unlike some of the other finest sweet wines, this is not affected by Noble Rot (also known as boytritis), however that's not to say a mind-boggling amount of work goes into its production.
Bright and yellow gold in colour. The nose is layered with complex flavours of Seville marmalade, ginger spice and grapefruit. A rich and luxurious mouthfeel, the wine is full bodied, fresh and vibrant. The palate is balanced showcasing a perfect harmony between salinity, acidity, spice and sweetness.
"Vin de Constance takes the category of sweet wines to a new level, and this is another stunning success from them. Expect succulent pear, quince, apple, peach pit, tarte tatin, wonderfully seductive and opulent but never taking a single step over the line. Second year on the Place for this iconic wine. Winemaker Matthew Day. Drink 2023 - 2040." Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux (August 2022)
"Intense, powerful nose of apricot, orange and white flowers. On the palate, rich and sweet with a touch of spice, but a very fine line of acidity keeping beautiful harmony. Very long. This will fill out with more vanilla creaminess from longer maturation. Drink 2023 - 2035." 18-20 points, Tim Jackson MW, JancisRobinson.com (June 2020)