Constantia GlenFive 2020

Product Notes

Constantia Glen Five is a vibrant and complex red wine blend that is a fine reflection of the unique terroir that is found in the Constantia Valley wine district, situated just outside of Cape Town, South Africa. The striking ruby color of the wine is a precursor to the bold flavors that are bursting with intense dark fruit, comprising of blackcurrant, plum and a touch of chocolate that delights the senses with its rich aromatics. The subtle oak undertones play a particularly essential role in the overall experience as it elevates the plush tannins to produce a satisfying finish that is smooth and memorable.

Tasting Notes

Youthful in colour with a very dark magenta core unwinding into a bright and lively garnet rim. Bright aromas of ripe blackcurrant, juicy plums and fragrant dried herbs. This first impression is underpinned by a multitude of savoury notes that demand further exploration. Graphite, cedar and floral aromas start emerging from the glass, and finally once the whirling liquid comes to rest; the bouquet concludes with hints of violet, cassis and wild fynbos florae. The palate has a dramatic entry as one consumes the concentrated dark fruit flavours that were evident on the nose, but the mid-palate displays fantastic balance between refinement and power. The textbook ripening conditions of the vintage combined with meticulous attention to extraction- and maturation methods in the cellar, have led to a compellingly structured wine with excellent freshness and depth. The delicious, fine-grain tannins provide a structured backbone and incredible mouth-coating texture. The wine comes across as tightly wound in its youth with enormous ageing potential. The ever-present Constantia freshness provides for a long, lingering finish that will have you beckoning for another sip

About the Winery

The origin of Constantia Glen dates back to 1685. It got established when Simon van der Stel made his first wine on his farm named Constantia. Lying in the valley of the same name, the wine estate is one of the most reputable ones in South Africa. The Constantia farm remained a possession of its founder, Simon, for as long as he was alive. After he passed away in 1712, the property got split into three parts. In recent times, they go by the name of Klein Constantia, Buitenverwachting, and Groot Constantia. 

Initially, the 60-hectare land known as Constantia Glen today was arduous to farm. Evidence suggests that it was most probably used merely for grazing for about the first century of its existence. In 1813, records of its first registration to the farm’s original proprietor, Johannes Gregorius van Helsdingen, came up. He was also the first to plant grapevines on the soil of the property. Johannes Frederick, Johannes’ nephew, inherited the land by 1832. By then, it was a productive parcel with about 15,000 vines. 

In 1843, the farm changed owners to Sebastiaan Valentyn van Reenen, the grandson of a renowned VOC merchant from Dutch, Cloete. He changed the name to Glen Alpine. Under Sebastiaan’s management, the land emerged as a famous wine estate. The following hundred years or so, the farm came under several individuals with various purposes.

The farm’s current name, Constantia Glen, was not before 2005. The rapid change of possessors makes it evident that it is laborious to grow grapevines on these lands. Nevertheless, the rewards have not failed to impress the Waibel family. They have persevered on these parcels for a long time, almost since 1960. Their dedication has managed to bring them success and the ability to produce wines of the highest standard.

https://www.constantiaglen.com

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