Klein Constantia KC Sauvignon Blanc 2014 Constantia, Western Cape, South Africa 75cl

Klein Constantia is one of the oldest names in South African wine, farming cool maritime slopes in the Constantia ward on the Cape Peninsula. The estate is best known worldwide for its Vin de Constance dessert wine, a bottle with centuries of history behind it, and the KC range carries that pedigree into more everyday drinking. This Sauvignon Blanc is the approachable expression, made to show the fresh, saline side of the site.

Sauvignon Blanc suits Constantia well. Sitting close to the ocean on cool, high-lying slopes, the vineyards catch sea breezes off False Bay that slow ripening and hold on to natural acidity, which is exactly what this grape needs to stay crisp and aromatic. The KC bottling is built around that freshness, a pure Sauvignon Blanc picked to catch bright citrus and cut-grass character rather than heavy tropical ripeness.

The 2014 comes from an established South African vintage for white wines, and a few months on the lees before bottling adds a little breadth and texture without softening the core of acidity.

Expect a pale, bright glass leading to aromas of lemon, lime and fresh green herbs, with a hint of gooseberry. The palate is dry and zesty, clean through a crisp, mineral finish. Serve it well chilled, around 8 to 10 degrees, as an aperitif or alongside a plate of food.

For anyone who enjoys a Loire or coastal-style Sauvignon Blanc, this is a natural fit, and it carries the reassurance of a serious Constantia estate behind an easygoing everyday wine. Good with grilled white fish, fresh oysters or a tangy goat’s cheese salad.