Glen Carlou Quartz Stone Chardonnay 2022

Region and Vineyards

Glen Carlou is located in the Simonsberg-Paarl region of South Africa’s Western Cape, known for its varied slopes and soils, which are meticulously nurtured for optimal expression. The Quartz Stone vineyard, the source of this single-vineyard Chardonnay, is situated on the northern foothills of Simonsberg, where granite-based soils intermixed with quartz fragments define the terroir. This unique soil composition, along with the 35-year-old, low-yielding vines, contributes intense and concentrated flavors to the wine.

Since 2016, Glen Carlou has been under South African family ownership, with a focus on sustainable viticulture and replanting initiatives. Drought-resistant rootstocks and modern clones have been introduced to enhance the estate’s resilience, reflecting Glen Carlou’s commitment to preserving and amplifying each vineyard’s unique potential.

Winemaking

The Quartz Stone Chardonnay 2022 is crafted with precision, beginning with hand-harvesting in the cool morning hours to maintain the fruit’s freshness and complexity. After hand-sorting, the whole clusters are gently pressed, and only the first 55% of free-run juice is used. The juice is then naturally fermented, with 90% aged in new French oak barriques and 10% in a Quartz Stone Nomblot egg-shaped tank. This careful approach preserves both purity and texture, enhancing the wine’s layered profile.

The wine rests on gross lees for 12 months, adding depth and a subtle creaminess. Individual barrels are meticulously selected for the final blend, which is bottled and sealed with a premium natural cork for optimal quality and preservation.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Pale gold with a slight greenish hue.
• Aroma: Complex aromas of citrus, white peach, fragrant spices, and buttered toast.
• Palate: Lively and layered, with notes of lime, lemon, green apple, and stone fruit. A discreet minerality from the quartz soil lends further dimension, leading to a long and refined finish.

Did you know?

The Quartz Stone vineyard is named for its quartz-rich soil, which imparts a distinctive minerality to the wine, giving it an extra layer of complexity and elegance. This single-vineyard Chardonnay showcases Glen Carlou’s attention to terroir and is sealed with a premium-grade natural cork to ensure zero taint and preserve the wine’s quality.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Pan-seared scallops with lemon butter: The citrus and mineral notes of the wine complement the delicate flavors of scallops.
• Roast chicken with garlic and herbs: The wine’s layered complexity and hint of oak enrich the savory flavors of roasted chicken.
• Lobster risotto: The creamy texture of the wine enhances the richness of lobster and the smooth, savory flavors of risotto.
• Aged Gouda: The wine’s acidity and minerality balance the nutty, caramel notes of aged Gouda.

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.