Groot Constantia Gouverneurs Reserve

Description

Groot Constantia Gouverneurs Reserve is the flagship red wine from this historic wine estate. Groot Constantia is South Africa’s oldest estate and one of South Africa’s most visited tourist attractions.

The origins of Groot Constantia  stratch back to 1685 Cape Governor Simon van der Stel built a farm in the foothills of Table Mountain, which he named Constantia. Groot Constantia received world acclaim from Napoleon, Bismarck and King Louis Philippe of France who was the biggest single buyer of Groot Constantia wines. The estate was sold to the Cape  government after phylloxera ravaged the vineyards. Today, the total estate covers 165 hectares of which 87 hectares are planted, at an altitude of 60 to 280 metres above sea level. The climate is generally cool resulting in complex and balanced wines

The vineyards are located on the steep valley on the eastern side of Table Mountain. The climate is Mediterranean with cooling breezes from the Atlantic Ocean encouraging balance and complexity in the grapes. The soils are predominantly Clovelly and Glenrosa- a gravelly soil with low fertility. The climate, combined with the cool southern slopes and deep mountain soils provide the ideal setting for the making of this top quality wine

Groot Constantia Gouverneurs Reserve 2017 is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon 38%, Cabernet Franc 32%, Merlot 24% and  Petit Verdot 6%. After harvest the grapes were treated as delicately as possible in the cellar and during the first half of fermentation the wine was pumped over four times per day, in order to oxygenate the wine. Post- fermentation extended maceration lasted approximately four weeks. The wine was matured for 14 months in 225 litre
French oak barrels, of which 73% were new, 9% second fill, 18% third fill. Winemaker is Boela Gerber

Suitable for vegans and vegetarians.