Glen Carlou The Collection Chenin Blanc 2022

Region and Vineyards

While the Glen Carlou estate is majestically situated in the Paarl region within the foothills of the Simonsberg mountains, this specific cuvée draws its unique character from the rugged and highly acclaimed Swartland region. Known for its harsh, dry conditions, the Swartland is a sanctuary for old vines that struggle to survive, resulting in grapes with incredibly thick skins and intense flavor concentration. The vineyards here are dry-farmed, meaning they receive no irrigation and must rely solely on the natural rainfall and deep root systems to find moisture in the ancient soils.

The terroir is dominated by decomposed granite and shale, which imparts a distinctive mineral backbone to the wine. These 60-year-old bush vines are shaped by the hot days and cool Atlantic breezes of the Western Cape, a diurnal shift that preserves the grape's natural acidity even as they achieve optimal ripeness. This specific combination of extreme climate and ancient geology allows the Chenin Blanc to develop a profound complexity, moving beyond simple fruitiness to offer a true sense of place.

Winemaking

The winemaking philosophy for The Collection Chenin Blanc focuses on minimal intervention to allow the Swartland terroir to shine through. The process begins with the careful hand-harvesting of grapes in the cool early morning hours to preserve freshness. Upon arrival at the cellar, the fruit is hand-sorted and whole-bunch pressed, a gentle technique used to extract the purest juice without releasing harsh phenolics from the skins or seeds. Only the finest free-run juice is selected for fermentation.

To build texture and complexity, the juice is transferred to second and third-fill French oak barrels for natural fermentation using wild yeasts. Unlike wines fermented in stainless steel, this barrel fermentation integrates oxygen slowly, softening the acidity and adding savory layers. The wine remains on its gross lees for approximately four months, a critical step that enriches the mouthfeel and enhances the wine's weight, resulting in a harmonious balance between the vibrant primary fruit and the secondary notes derived from the oak aging.

Tasting Notes

• Color: A bright, inviting straw-yellow with glimmers of pale gold.
• Aroma: The nose is expressive and layered, opening with an abundance of stone fruit and ripe pear, followed by delicate floral notes of jasmine and fynbos, underpinned by a hint of marzipan and almond.
• Palate: Rich and evocative, the palate delivers generous flavors of tangerine and mandarin orange. A creamy, rounded texture from the oak aging is perfectly counterpoised by a taut, vibrant acidity, leading to a long, savory finish marked by subtle vanilla spice and minerality.

Did you know?

The Chenin Blanc grape, historically known locally as "Steen," has been planted in South Africa since the mid-1600s and is currently the country's most widely planted variety. Glen Carlou's interpretation pays homage to this heritage by sourcing from old vines, which are legally certified in South Africa for vineyards over 35 years of age, ensuring a wine of superior concentration and historical significance.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Mild Thai Green Curry: The wine's rich texture and stone fruit notes perfectly complement the creamy coconut milk and balance the aromatic spices of the curry.
• Slow-Roasted Pork Belly: The vibrant acidity cuts through the richness of the pork fat, while the wine's apple and quince flavors echo the traditional fruit pairings for pork.
• Grilled Scallops or Prawns: The mineral backbone and slight oak influence of the wine harmonize beautifully with the sweet, caramelized flavors of seared shellfish.
• Creamy Brie or Camembert: The wine's weight and nutty, marzipan undertones make it an exceptional partner for soft-ripened cheeses with a bloomy rind.

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.