WINEMAKING PHILOSOPHY
Masters of Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and the historic Grand Classique.
DISCOVER
Our Range
Gravel Quarry
Cabernet Sauvignon
In the heart of our estate lies a vineyard of notable distinction—the revered Gravel Quarry, known for producing some of the finest Cabernet Sauvignon in the region.
For nearly four decades, we have been pioneers and specialists of this exceptional varietal. The grapes for this illustrious red wine are sourced from this designated area.
The name Gravel Quarry originates from the weathered granite and ‘koffieklip’ or ‘coffee stone’ found in this rehabilitated quarry on the farm. These unique, free-draining soils impart excellent structure and incredibly pure-fruited characteristics of our flagship Cabernet Sauvignon, allowing it to age with grace.
In this cherished vineyard, our workers tend to the vines with unwavering devotion as each grape flourishes under the sun, swelling in flavour and intensity with each passing day. Only the finest bunches make it to our winery. This careful grape selection, combined with minimal intervention in the cellar, produces a refined, luxurious, and powerful wine that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the world’s best.
Quartz Stone
Chardonnay
Each vine in this historic vineyard tells a tale of heritage and dedication. Our flagship Quartz Stone Chardonnay is produced from these low-yielding venerable vineyards, producing a wine that is luxuriously textured, rich, and structured. The granite-based soil, infused with Quartz Stone, imparts a distinctive mineral quality, enhancing both freshness and complexity.
We use the flagship and signature barrel from Dargaud & Jaegle, Marcel Cadet, for our Quartz Stone Chardonnay. These barrels are made from staves seasoned for 36 months and are a blend of only the best and most prestigious French forests.
Guided by our Cellarmaster and his team, every step of this approach is executed with passion and precision. They vigilantly oversee the ageing in the barriques, resulting in a complex and captivating Chardonnay, an expression of elegance that enchants the senses and lingers beautifully on the palate.
The Grand Classique
BORDEAUX BLEND
Since 1989, we’ve perfected the Grand Classique—a South African red blend steeped in history and crafted from noble grape varieties made famous by Bordeaux. A true celebration of our winemaking heritage.
Nurtured in our vineyards, this wine thrives amidst free-draining, gravelly soils and warm summers, creating the ideal conditions for Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and other classic Bordeaux grapes.
Under the expert guidance of our Cellarmaster, Johnnie Calitz, meticulous blending methods create an elegant South African expression, fit to find its place in fine-dining restaurants worldwide. This iconic blend is a popular and premium choice for Glen Carlou lovers seeking a sophisticated and consistent wine guaranteed to impress guests. While delightful upon release, this wine has the potential to evolve further, gaining complexity and elegance with a decade or more of careful cellaring.
Blanc de Blancs
brut
Crafted exclusively from Chardonnay grapes, capturing Chardonnay’s clean and crisp profile, with notes of green apple, citrus, and white flowers in the cuvée. From our initial attempt in 2011, we have gathered valuable experience to refine our first release, the 2018 Vintage.
The grapes are hand-picked and precisely processed early in the harvest season, serving as a perfect base for secondary fermentation and ageing. The wine matures and develops on the lees for at least 30 months in the bottle.
Crafted using the traditional methods and principles employed in the Champagne region of France, the Glen Carlou Blanc de Blancs is a true testament to its authenticity as an exclusive style of Chardonnay. This extensive process contributes to its delicate and persistent bubbles, complexity, and ageing potential.
This Blanc de Blancs is a premium sparkling wine, perfect for celebrations, refined gatherings, and gifting.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Our Cabernet Sauvignon is classically styled, showcasing bold flavours of blackcurrant and black cherry, complemented by notes of cedar, tobacco, and graphite. It is both sweet and savoury, offering firm tannins, refreshing vitality, and a lingering finish. Aged for 16 months in seasoned French oak, this wine promises to age gracefully over time.
Crafted with passion by Cellarmaster Johnnie Calitz, our Grey Label Cabernet Sauvignon has garnered prestigious accolades, including Double Gold at the Michelangelo Wine Awards and Best Cabernet Sauvignon at the Trophy Wine Show.
Merlot
The name ‘Merlot’ comes from the French word ‘Merle,’ meaning ‘little blackbird,’ whose blue-tinged plumage resembles the grapes. This Merlot beautifully captures those black and blue flavours.
Our Blue Label Merlot is a medium-bodied wine featuring ‘blue’ fruit, red berries, and floral notes, with nuances of vanilla, baking spices, and a touch of toastiness from 14 months in seasoned French oak. It is a refined wine that is ready to be enjoyed now and will continue to evolve beautifully over time.
Crafted with passion by Cellarmaster Johnnie Calitz, our Blue Label Merlot exemplifies elegance and sophistication, earning prestigious accolades such as Double Gold at the Michelangelo Wine Awards and Top Merlot at the SA Terroir Wine Awards.
Chardonnay
Embracing a minimalist approach, we use native yeast barrel fermentation and no fining, capturing the pure essence of grapes from 15 selected vineyards. The unique Soft Cartref and Kroonstad soils impart a vibrant, fruity character.
Our Green Label Chardonnay bursts with ripe yellow fruits, lemon, green apple, and a hint of toasted almonds. Its unexpected minerality, reminiscent of wet stones after a summer rain, adds unique depth. The silky texture leaves a delicate trail of citrus zest, quince, and a creamy edge. We ferment for 11 months in 24-month-seasoned oak barrels made by Dargaud & Jaegle, which are celebrated for their superb craftsmanship. This Chardonnay can age beautifully for up to a decade.
This wine embodies accessibility, sophistication, and exceptional value, earning accolades such as Top 10 Chardonnay in the world at Chardonnay du Monde, Double Gold at the Michelangelo Wine Awards, and 97 points at Trophy Wine Awards.
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