On 21 May, International Chardonnay Day, we celebrate a variety that has become part of the very fabric of Glen Carlou, known as the Masters of Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and the historic Grand Classique.

Chardonnay was only introduced to South Africa in the late 1970s, with key vine cuttings brought in around 1980, leading to early plantings in the early 1980s.

From the outset, Glen Carlou committed to Chardonnay. In 1985, it was one of the first cultivars planted on the farm, selected for its ability to express the unique terroir of Simonsberg-Paarl.

Walter Finlayson, one of South Africa’s winemaking pioneers, established Glen Carlou and helped shape its early Chardonnay philosophy. By 1988, the first vintage was released, laying the foundation for nearly four decades of dedicated craft.

Today, that legacy continues through three distinctive expressions.

Quartz Stone Chardonnay is the cornerstone of the estate’s Chardonnay philosophy. Shaped by quartz-rich soils, it delivers precision, focus, and structure. Carefully selected vineyard parcels add depth and complexity while preserving its linear core. The result is a layered wine of citrus, stone fruit, and a refined savoury edge, balancing purity with subtle richness.

Chardonnay (Lightly wooded) is a pure expression of site and craft. Sourced from select vineyards and fermented with native yeasts, it follows a minimalist approach to preserve fruit integrity. Notes of lemon, green apple, and toasted almond are lifted by a mineral core, offering freshness, depth, and elegant ageing potential.

Blanc de Blancs Brut shows Chardonnay in its most celebratory form. Crafted entirely from hand-picked grapes and made using the traditional bottle fermentation method, it matures on the lees to build complexity and finesse. Fine, persistent bubbles carry citrus, white flowers, and green apple, layered with subtle brioche richness and long ageing potential.

Chardonnay remains at the heart of Glen Carlou’s identity.

Get some for your cellar here