Showing posts with label Constantia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Constantia. Show all posts

Monday, 11 October 2021

#WineRoutingWithLloyd - Steenberg

What is a #WineRoutingWithLloyd trip without popping in for some bubbly at Steenberg? A stone throw away from the city, it's easily accessible if you can't travel out to the winelands, or the perfect stop en-route to the city. A true Constantia gem that delivers every time! 

One thing that has stood out for me on every visit to Steenberg, is the passion & enthusiasm of the team. These people really have a love for wine & they are eager to share their knowledge & love with visitors to the estate. 




Kick off the your visit with a tasting & jump straight into a flight of bubbles to tickle the taste buds. 

 - 1682 Chardonnay Brut NV
Light in colour with a delicate mousse. A fresh nose with crisp hints of Granny Smith apples & soft white peaches. Lively on the palate with flavours of lemon, sweet citrus & fresh croissants. A lingering fresh finish that makes this the perfect bubbly to go with your breakfast. 

 - 1682 Pinot Noir Brut NV
Pale pink in the glass, exuding fruity aromas of raspberry & strawberry alongside a sweetness of red apple & toasted brioche. A fine mousse which brings out more of the berry flavours on the palate, that add to a somewhat creamy texture & dry lingering finish. The longer you leave this bottle, I'd expect some more savoury characteristics to develop making it a great bottle to serve at a pool party or at the dinner table. 


 - Lady R Cap Classique 2016
A gorgeous pale copper tint in the glass accompanied by a nose of freshly peeled red apples, almonds & citrus with a slight hint of dried herbs. A soft & creamy palate that is complemented by a refreshing acidity with a touch of cinnamon spice. Truly elegant bubbles that add to a refined texture with a soft lingering finish perfect for those special occasions. 

Next up I'd suggest you try a flight of Sauvignon Blanc on offer.
 - Steenberg Sauvignon Blanc
 - Steenberg Rattlesnake Sauvignon Blanc
 - Steenberg The Black Swan Sauvignon Blanc


Constantia Sauvignon Blanc really just hits differently & Steenberg is top in it's class when it comes to showcasing the varietal in it's true form whilst providing a pure expression of the unique terroir that proves you can age white wine for a few more years in order for it to truly evolve into it's full potential. 

Each of these have similarities, but also have stand out points that make them so unique & different. From that Cape Gooseberry freshness with lime & white blossoms to the Elderflower, asparagus & Fynbos. The crispness & acidity that softens with each bottle into a more creamy texture. A lingering minerality follows in each, that makes the cool climate Sauvignon Blanc just so much more beautiful. Ageing from the Sauvignon Blanc from 2-5 years, the Rattlesnake from 5-7 years & The Black Swan between 10-20 year.


Finish off tasting the white wines with the Steenberg Semillon. A pale gold liquid in your glass with aromas of lime & light hints of apricot. Following onto the palate alongside some citrus & roasted almonds with a rather elegant mid-palate of fruit. A bright acidity with citrus & floral notes lingering on the palate on the aftertaste. (One of my personal favourites.)

Lets delve into a glass of red or 2 too. In the next post that is. So now it's time to sit & enjoy the beautiful tasting room with contemporary finishes whilst overlooking the water feature & admiring, what I consider to be, a piece of art that hangs from the ceiling above the tasting island in the centre of the tasting room. Sip on some more wine whilst a wine ambassador tops you up & tells you a bit more. 


Monday, 4 March 2019

'Constantia Glen - A timeless vision'

So last year I visited Constantia Glen on my #WineRoutingWithLloyd trip & it's in one of the most beautiful areas, that is rich in South African history & heritage that so few people actually know. That is until now. The journey over the last 140 years of this gem of a wine farm in the oldest wine region in SA, is something real special.



One of the best things about this wine estate, is that it is about a 20 min drive from Cape Town City Centre, so it's deceptively close, but far enough from the urban bustle. 


Image - Craig Fraser

So, there has been research & writing by author Clare O'Donoghue. And photography by Craig Fraser. Which has led to the this journey finally being bound in 'Constantia Glen - A timeless vision.'


It is a visual feast, as some would say, of the history & intimate story of the Waibel family, who have loved & nurtured the land for over 4 generations. Capturing the life & times of the the boutique wine estate through its early history & eventual transformation from a forest, to one of the Cape's premier family owned estates. 

"There's a lot to be said for continuity," says Alexander Waibel - 3rd generatioin custodian of Constantia Glen. "It's in the way we learn about our vineyards & the way we value the people who work in them."


Image - Craig Fraser

Image - Craig Fraser

Image - Craig Fraser

With the 1st vines only being planted in 2000, the first vintage of Sauvignon Blanc was harvested in 2005 on the 60 hectares of undulating landscape. Winemaker, Justin van Wyk believes that they are able to steer the grapes into wines that are a reflection of where they are grown.


Image - Craig Fraser

'Constantia Glen - A timeless vision' is available at selected book stores & retails at R500.

Check out my #WineRoutingWithLloyd visit to Constantia Glen here


(Just a heads up. I'll be popping in there again this year, so keep your eyes out on the #WineRoutingWithLloyd developments.)