National Red Blend Trophy for Glen Carlou at 2019 Novare Terroir Wine Awards
The Novare South African Terroir Wine Awards honours the wines which truly portray South Africa’s different wine-growing areas. All entries must be certified Wine of Origin from a specific single vineyard, estate, ward or small district (not divided into wards).
We are thrilled, Glen Carlou was awarded the National Red Blend trophy at the 2019 Novare Terroir Wine Awards for our 2017 The Glen Carlou Collection Red Blend.
With only 2660 bottles made, this small production and highly sought-after wine has also garnered a Double Gold at 2018 Michelangelo International Wine Awards and a 4.5 star in Platters 2019.
Fermented in both open and closed top fermenters, the components were vinified separately, and barrel matured for 16 months in 70% new French oak and 30% second fill French oak. Cabernet Sauvignon leads the blend with a 40% contribution, Merlot and Cabernet Franc each complementing 30% to the final cuvee.
“Cabernet Sauvignon’s vibrant red fruit and cassis combine with Merlot’s plum and vanilla undertones. Hints of tobacco leaf and green bell pepper from the Cabernet Franc round out a complex nose. The full-bodied palate is abundant with blackberry fruit, mint and dark chocolate. Finely grained wood tannins frame a textured finish”, says Winemaker Johnnie Calitz.
Glen Carlou was amongst the Top 3 producers awarded of the Terroir Wine Awards after winning 5 district awards. These top district awards were for these wines all made from Simonsberg-Paarl fruit:
Top Red Blend – 2017 The Glen Carlou Collection Red Blend
Top Cabernet Sauvignon – 2017 Glen Carlou Gravel Quarry Cabernet Sauvignon
Top Merlot – 2018 Glen Carlou Merlot
Top Pinot Noir – 2018 Glen Carlou Pinot Noir
Top Chardonnay – 2018 Glen Carlou Quartz Stone Chardonnay
“I am delighted with the results of this prestigious tasting, we are incredibly proud to have our wines acknowledged as being the best in Paarl, specifically Simonsberg-Paarl” said Johnnie Calitz.
The Novare group has been the sole sponsor of the prestigious Novare SA Terroir Wine Awards since 2006. According to Derrick Roper, CEO and co-founder of Novare, the company is proud to be associated with the Novare SA Terroir Wine Awards as one of the most unique wine competitions in the world.
“Terroir, from the French for terre, meaning “land: is a buzzword in wine circles, possible often without full comprehension of the concept. Terroir is the basis by which the elements like soil and altitude come together to result in the radically different tastes and characters of wines grown in the same area or region. South African can be proud of the wine we produce and top-quality terroir we deliver,” said Roper.
The panel of esteemed judges comprised Jeff Grier (chairperson), David Biggs, Narina Cloete, Sandile Mkhwanazi and Anton Swarts.