"Richard Neidich" wrote in message

> There was a dessert wine in my wine store from South Africa
> that the wine person recommended...

> I bought a couple bottles to try.
>
> Does anyone here know if this is one that should be served slightly
chilled
> and is this one to serve with Foie Gras?

Hi Dick

I visited South Africa in both 1979 and 1985 - and visited Klein Constantia,
which is only about 20 minutes out of Capetown, on both occasions.

On the first visit, apart from the stunning Cape Dutch architecture, it was
quite apparent that the place was quite run down, and the wines available
were very "ordinary"

Six years later, the place had changed hands and was in the midst of major
changes - much replanting - a case of out with the old and in with the new.

For over 20 years I have been corresponding with a fellow rugby union player
x wine enthusiast who tells me that Vin de Constance is a relatively recent
recreation of the famed Constantia wines of the 18th/19th century, although
I have not tried the wines myself.

This is a raisiny sweet, unfortified wine made from Muscat de Frontignan
(muscat blanc a petits grains) - Parker gave the '97 93/100 but I would have
thought that this may be a little too "nuts & raisins x christmas pudding"
to suit foie gras IMNSHO of course.

--

st.helier