Lock, stock and wine barrel: Constantia Glen Two

Constantia Glen has just released Two 2017, an exciting addition to the boutique wine estate’s incredible range.

What sets Two apart is that it’s the first time the estate’s winemaking team experimented with amphora maturation – creating a wine with exuberant, earthy qualities.

The Constantia Glen Two 2017 is a blend of 68% Sauvignon Blanc and 32% Sémillon. A small 5% of the Sémillon was matured in a locally crafted clay amphora.

“This neutral clay vessel contributes to the texture and mouthfeel while completely respecting the characteristics of the fruit. This could be the start of more things amphora at Constantia Glen,” says Winemaker Justin van Wyk.

Amphora winemaking is a different kind of artform, and its inclusion really sets these wines apart.

Avondale, an amphora wine making pioneer in South Africa, has previously released wines like Cyclus and Anima that were uniquely enriched by amphora maturation.  Similarly, Two has real backbone thanks to this additional step.

The Sauvignon Blanc and the rest of the Sémillon components for the 2017 vintage were vinified separately, and fermented and matured on the lees for seven months in oak barrels. It creates incredible depth and great hits of oak that compliment the richness of the Sémillon.

• The Constantia Glen Two 2017 is available directly from the estate, as well as fine dining restaurants and boutique wine shops. It sells at a cellar door price of R270 per bottle.

• For more information on the estate and the wines they produce visit constantiaglen.com

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