Glen Carlou The Collection Pinotage 2020

Region and Vineyards

Glen Carlou is based in the Simonsberg-Paarl region of South Africa’s Western Cape, though the fruit for The Collection Pinotage is sourced from Swartland, known for its rugged terrain and dry-farmed bush vines. These vines are grown on remote plots without irrigation, a method that results in lower yields but intensely concentrated fruit. The vineyard’s old vines are naturally balanced, yielding small, high-quality grapes with minimal intervention, allowing the terroir to speak through the wine.

Glen Carlou’s Collection wines celebrate unique sites and specific vineyard characteristics. Each block is chosen for its individual qualities, whether due to soil, elevation, or specific climatic influences, and is nurtured with a focus on sustainability and respect for the vines' natural cycles.

Winemaking

The Collection Pinotage follows a philosophy of minimal intervention to let the vineyard’s quality shine. The hand-harvested grapes were naturally fermented in second-fill 500-liter French open-top barrels. Once primary fermentation was complete, the wine was transferred to new 225-liter French oak barrels for 12 months of maturation. This careful oak aging process enhances the wine’s texture and complexity, integrating subtle wood tones with the Pinotage’s robust fruit.

This Pinotage reflects Glen Carlou’s approach to letting the wine develop at its own pace, celebrating the hard work done in the vineyard and its unique terroir.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep, dark ruby.
• Aroma: Rich blackberry and plum on the entry, followed by notes of graphite and black fruits with subtle oak undertones.
• Palate: Full-bodied and complex, with a core of minerality. Supple tannins support flavors of Asian spice and black olive, leading to a balanced finish that merges fruit and wood seamlessly, indicating excellent aging potential.

Did you know?

The fruit for this Pinotage is sourced from old bush vines in Swartland, where the lack of irrigation and remote location create intense, concentrated flavors. Glen Carlou’s Collection series includes limited releases, often with as few as 600 bottles, reflecting the individuality and specificity of each vineyard block.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Barbecued lamb chops with rosemary: The smoky, herbal flavors of grilled lamb complement the wine’s dark fruit and spice notes.
• Mushroom risotto: The earthy tones in the risotto enhance the minerality and complex structure of the wine.
• Beef stew with black olives: The wine’s hints of black olive and supple tannins pair beautifully with the savory richness of the stew.
• Aged Gouda or Cheddar: The robust flavors and smooth tannin structure balance the sharpness and nutty characteristics of these aged cheeses.

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.