Out and about in Constantia
Terroir is the notion that wines should taste of the place where the grapes grow. We invite you to travel with us as we explore South Africa’s different winegrowing appellations.South Africa’s Wine of Origin (WO) scheme came about in the early 1970s and was based on the classification systems of Europe. Today the WO classification recognises “geographic units”, “regions”, “districts” and “wards” in order of size from biggest to smallest.
INTRODUCTION
On the southern slopes of the Table Mountain range overlooking False Bay lies the Constantia valley. The birthplace of winemaking in South Africa, it was here that govenor Simon van der Stel developed a property called Constantia after the Cape had been colonised by the Dutch in the 17th century. By the 18th and early 19th centuries, the sweet wines of the area had come to be among the most highly regarded in the capitals of Europe.
Today the vineyards of Constantia are much reduced from former times, little more than pastoral islands in the midst of Cape Town’s suburban sprawl, and yet they remain responsible for some of the country’s finest wines.
WHERE TO EAT
Constantia is a gourmet's paradise. The
following offer fine dining:
-French and German cuisine at Buitenverwachting
(Tel 021 794 3522)
-Italian with hints of Asia at Constantia
Uitsig (Tel 021 794 4480)
-French with hints of Asia at La Colombe
at Constantia Uitsig (Tel 021 794 2390)
-Classic French with South African twists
at the recently revamped Catharina's at
Steenberg (Tel 021 713 2222).
For a less extravagant meal, there's
Peddlars on the Bend. The food's hearty,
the winelist is good and there's an inviting
pub adjacent to the restaurant for those
who have tired of the fruits of the vine.
Tel 021 794 7747.
Jonkershuis at Groot Constantia,
meanwhile, off ers contemporary cooking
under the oak trees with spectacular views
back across False Bay. Tel 021 794 6255.
WHAT TO DO
Play a round of golf at Steenberg. “A piece of time-crafted perfection some three centuries in the making. The spirit and camaraderie amongst the members coupled with the spectacular mountainous backdrops make the estate an unforgettable experience. The course is visually spectacular and technically challenging, not to mention in exceptional condition,” according to sister magazine Compleat Golfer. Tel 021 715 0227.
Go for a picnic in Silvermine Nature Reserve, which takes in the area from the Kalk Bay mountains through to the Constantiaberg. Also good for hiking and mountain biking. Part of the Table Mountain National Park. For more information, see www.sanparks.org.
WINES TO TRY
Alongside are some of WINE magazine’s favourite wines from Constantia. The selection is by no mean exhaustive – space constraints mean only a fi nite number can be featured. Nevertheless, they provide a good introduction to what the ward has to offer.
ESSENTIAL WHITES
CONSTANTIA GLEN
SAUVIGNON BLANC 2008
Cellar price: R110 a bottle
Visits: by appointment only
Tel 021 794 7865
Why we like it:
The nose shows a hint of grassiness and lime.
The palate is rich and textured with subtle
rather than searing acid. Needs time
in bottle.
Food pairing:
Pan-fried kabeljou with gremolata.
STEENBERG SEMILLON 2007
Cellar price: R145 a bottle
Visits: Mon–Fri 09:00–16:30,
Sat 09:30–13:30, Tel 021 713 2211
Why we like it:
Both the 2003 and 2005 vintages rated 5 Stars
in Platter’s. The nose shows some vegetal notes
and a hint of oak. The palate is rich and intense
with flavours of citrus and white pepper.
Palate-tingling acidity lends balance.
Food pairing:
Crayfish Thermidor.
CONSTANTIA UITSIG
CONSTANTIA 2007
Cellar price: R112 a bottle
Visits: Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00,
Sat and Sun 10:00–16:00, Tel 021 884 4416
Why we like it:
Blend of 70% Semillon and 30% Sauvignon
Blanc. Pungent herbaceous and citrus aromas
on the nose as well as a hint of oak. The palate
is well balanced: good fruit intensity, welljudged
oak and zesty acid. Finishes very dry.
Food pairing:
Grilled tuna with basil pesto.
ESSENTIAL REDS:
GROOT CONSTANTIA
GOUVERNEURS SHIRAZ 2006
Cellar price: R162 a bottle
Visits: Mon–Sun Nov–Apr 09:00–18:00,
Mon–Sun May–Oct 09:00–17:00,
Tel 021 794 512
Why we like it:
Gold medallist at the Old Mutual Trophy Wine
Show 2008. A complex nose with ripe dark
fruit, lilies and spice. The palate is medium- to
full-bodied with juicy fruit and good tannic grip.
Food pairing:
Herb-encrusted rack of lamb.
BUITENVERWACHTING
CHRISTINE 2004
Cellar price: R200 a bottle
Visits: Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00,
Sat 09:00–13:00, Tel 021 794 5190
Why we like it:
One of the Cape’s benchmark Bordeaux-style
red blends. The nose shows cassis, violets and
pencil shavings. The palate shows dark fruit,
firm but fine tannins and fresh acidity. Should
last another 10 years at least.
Food pairing:
Veal scallops with porcini mushrooms
and white truffle oil.
ESSENTIAL SWEET:
KLEIN CONSTANTIA
VIN DE CONSTANCE 2004
Cellar price: R295 a bottle
Visits: Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00,
Sat 09:00–14:00, Tel 021 884 4656
Why we like it:
This natural sweet is close as anything to an icon wine that South Africa has. Made from Muscat de Frontignan. Aromatic nose follows through to intensely flavoured but elegant, balanced palate. Flavours of citrus and spice.
Food pairing:
Stir-fried spiced fruit with baked egg custard.
