CONTINUING a proud tradition, the Constitution Road wines, Robertson Winery’s flagship range, continue to impress with the new vintage Chardonnay 2016 and Shiraz 2015 receiving recognition both locally and internationally.
Robertson Winery’s commitment to quality led to the creation of this range named after the winery’s home at No 1 Constitution Road in Robertson. The maiden 2002 Shiraz was launched in 2004, commemorating 10 years of democracy in South Africa under the new constitution, and rose to great heights with a steady stream of prominent accolades. Joining the Shiraz in this range, the award-winning Constitution Road Chardonnay 2014 followed in 2016.
THE LABEL
The Constitution Road wines are freshly adorned with a creative Anthony Lane label design symbolising the democratic pillars of the South African constitution, mirroring the values and beliefs of Robertson Winery:
- Liberty/Freedom: To explore the true potential of the Robertson Valley, creative freedom for the winemakers to experiment and innovate;
- Governance/Wisdom and Knowledge: A respect of age-old traditions, knowledge shared between generations of winemakers yet writing a new chapter with each vintage;
- Justice and Equality/Balance and Consistency: Only a sensitive understanding of each varietal and vineyard ensures balance and consistency, the holy grails of great wines.
- Provenance/Sense of Place: Creating wines that express their origin.
THE WINES
The beautifully rounded and refined, rich, creamy Chardonnay with a fresh citrus edge and a light cloak of oak, has regularly enjoyed golden success at the Michelangelo International Wine Awards, Chardonnay Du Monde and Vitis Vinifera Awards as well as excellent ratings in Platter’s wine guide.
The rich, powerful and alluring velvety Shiraz with gorgeous ripe dark fruit enveloping warm spice and a hint of dark chocolate, has seen exceptional performances at the Michelangelo International Wine Awards, the Shiraz SA Wine Challenge, Syrah du Monde, Vitis Vinifera Awards and regular 4½ and 4 star Platter’s ratings as well as a Decanter World Wine Awards Trophy.
The Constitution Wines are made by Jacques Roux, the passionate and totally focused specialty winemaker at Robertson Winery since 2001, who lives and breathes wine.
The Chardonnay grapes come from selected premium vineyards on Robertson Winery’s Wandsbeck farm. The vineyards are shy bearing and the berries are extremely small. “It’s an amazing vineyard. I have worked with many different vineyards in the Robertson Wine Valley over the past five years and this is the best for Chardonnay,” says Roux.
The wine pairs well with eggs Benedict; grilled prawns or salmon with garlic butter sauce; fillet steak béarnaise; grilled chicken with butternut coulis and sliced avocado; toasted polenta with Brie and sautéed mushrooms; and sage-butter pumpkin ravioli. It retails for approximately R150.
For the shiraz, with its radiant deep purple colour, the grapes are sourced from Robertson Winery’s top vineyards – two premium blocks on the Wolfkloof farm. Rich aromas of ripe plum and blackberries envelop warm spice notes and a hint of dark chocolate. The ripe, dark fruit found on the nose follows through onto the voluptuous, velvety palate and lingers on the finish.
Find it at leading retailers for about R220 a bottle and pair it with slow-roasted barbecue pork shoulder with plum sauce; grilled pepper steak with onion and blue cheese; herb-crusted rack of lamb; or a hearty venison casserole.
Robertson Winery, 160km from Cape Town, is in the beautiful Robertson Wine Valley. The tasting room is open seven days a week. For more information, call 023 626 3059, email info@robertsonwinery.co.za, or click here.