Producers: Matt Day of Klein Constantia, South Africa's legendary estate

Chats from the Wine Cellar

Matt Day is the head winemaker at Klein Constantia., the legendary South African estate founded in 1685, that once produced the sweet wine requested by Napoleon on his deathbed.
Situated in beautiful Constantia, just south of Cape Town, the Constantia estate was founded by original Cape Governor Simon van der Stel, shortly after the colony's genesis. It was later split into "Groot" (big) and "Klein" (small). The Sweet Wine of Constantia was favored by aristocrats in 17th and 18th century Europe, before falling into dormancy for a long period characterized by oidium, phylloxera, and quotas under the regulatory system.
In the 1980s, Klein Constantia was revitalized, and since then, has undergone a meteoric rise under the guidance of Bordeaux legends Hubert de Bouard (Chateau Angelus) and Bruno Prats (formerly Cos d'Estournel).
Today, the estate produces a revived version of sweet wine, renamed the Vin de Constance, and specializes in terroir-driven Sauvignon Blanc, reminiscent of the great wines of the Loire. In addition, Matt has assumed the helm of sister Anwilka estate to produce exceptional red wine to complement Constantia's whites. The Vin de Constance is considered one of the great sweet wines of the world and is sold on the Place de Bordeaux alongside the likes of Chateau d'Yquem.

Listen in for the fascinating tale of Klein Constantia's long history, and Matt's own story of how he came to be head winemaker at this legendary estate very early on in his career.
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