Glen Carlou Gravel Quarry Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

Region and Vineyards

Glen Carlou is situated in the Simonsberg-Paarl region of South Africa’s Western Cape. The estate spans 145 hectares, with diverse vineyard blocks nurtured according to their unique potential.

The grapes for this Cabernet Sauvignon come from a rehabilitated quarry site, characterized by soils of weathered granite and "koffieklip" (coffee stone). The vines are drip-irrigated and trained on a 5-wire Perold trellis system, ensuring optimal growth and quality. Despite recent dry seasons, the vines have shown robust growth, producing grapes of excellent concentration and quality.

Winemaking Process

The winemaking process for Glen Carlou Gravel Quarry Cabernet Sauvignon emphasizes minimal intervention, allowing the natural character of the grapes to shine through. The grapes are hand-harvested and undergo both bunch sorting and meticulous hand sorting of the berries. Natural fermentation is employed to maintain the wine's purity.

The free run and press juice are kept separate, with only the highest quality juice transferred to new 225L French oak barriques for 24 months of aging. This extensive barrel aging enhances the wine's complexity and structure. The bottle is sealed with a hand-selected premium grade natural cork, ensuring a zero taint guarantee.

Fun Fact

The Gravel Quarry vineyard, once a working quarry, has been rehabilitated to create a unique terroir for this exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon. The vineyard’s distinct soil composition contributes significantly to the wine's complex flavor profile.

Tasting Notes

Color: Deep ruby red.
Aroma: The nose is layered with aromas of dark berries, ripe blackcurrant, mint, and hints of chocolate.
Palate: On the palate, this wine is full-bodied and impressively structured, with bold flavors of dark berries, blackcurrant, and subtle notes of mint and chocolate. The tannins are polished, contributing to a powerfully concentrated and age-worthy wine. The finish is long and complex, promising excellent aging potential.

Wine Pairing Ideas

This Cabernet Sauvignon pairs beautifully with a variety of robust dishes, including:

• Grilled or roasted red meats such as ribeye steak or lamb chops.
• Rich, savory stews and casseroles.
• Hard, aged cheeses like cheddar or gouda.
• Dishes with dark, intense sauces such as a red wine reduction.

History of Glen Carlou

Founded in 1985 in the Paarl wine region of South Africa, Glen Carlou quickly established itself as one of the Cape’s most forward-thinking producers. The winery lies at the foot of the Simonsberg mountains, an area known for its ancient soils and moderate climate, offering an ideal foundation for quality viticulture.

In 2003, Glen Carlou gained international attention when it became part of the Hess Family Wine Estates, a prestigious global wine portfolio. This connection elevated the estate’s profile and ushered in a new phase of technical precision and stylistic evolution. Although the Hess ownership has since changed, the focus on terroir expression and craftsmanship has remained constant.

Over the years, Glen Carlou has been home to notable winemaking talents and is particularly celebrated for pioneering work with Chardonnay, which remains a benchmark for South African expressions of the grape. Its reputation also extends to red Bordeaux varieties, often vinified with a polished, international aesthetic but rooted in South African identity.

Region and Vineyards

Glen Carlou is located in Paarl, part of the Western Cape’s Coastal Region. The vineyards benefit from a Mediterranean climate tempered by cool Atlantic breezes, especially influential in the evenings. This diurnal shift is critical for preserving acidity and aromatic finesse in both whites and reds.

The Simonsberg foothills offer a diverse range of vineyard altitudes, exposures, and soil compositions, including decomposed granite and shale. These soils contribute structure, minerality, and longevity to the wines. The estate employs sustainable viticulture, balancing modern practices with environmental responsibility. Vineyard blocks are managed individually, allowing for micro-vinification and precision blending.

Wine Range of Glen Carlou

Glen Carlou’s portfolio covers a broad stylistic range, with a consistent focus on varietal clarity and site expression. The estate is renowned for its Quartz Stone Chardonnay, a single-vineyard wine of notable complexity and aging potential. The Classic Collection includes well-executed varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chenin Blanc, while the Prestige range features limited releases and cellar experiments that reflect the winemaker’s creativity.

Bordeaux-style blends, particularly those under the Grand Classique label, are layered and refined, showcasing elegant tannins and judicious oak integration. Recent vintages also highlight a growing interest in site-driven Syrah and more restrained interpretations of Sauvignon Blanc.

Did you know?

Glen Carlou’s Quartz Stone Chardonnay was among the first South African wines to garner international acclaim for its Burgundian style. It’s named after the vineyard’s unique quartz-rich soils that enhance the wine’s minerality and tension—hallmarks that have become synonymous with the estate’s white wine identity.