Glen Carlou Wine Estate in Paarl
is located on the northern slopes of the Simonsberg near Paarl, just a few kilometres from Stellenbosch. The 145-hectare estate is surrounded by vineyards, fynbos and the mountain landscape of the Cape Winelands. Its position in the Simonsberg-Paarl ward combines sunny, warm days with cooling influences and well-drained soils, providing particularly favourable conditions for Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Since 1988, Glen Carlou has made a name for itself particularly with Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. The winery was among the early producers to pursue Chardonnay consistently at the Cape. In 2016, the estate returned to South African ownership when a family consortium led by Wayne Pitout took responsibility and began a new phase of development.
The vineyards lie on ancient soils whose composition varies considerably from parcel to parcel. Weathered granite and quartz play an important role in the Chardonnay sites, while Cabernet Sauvignon can develop structure and concentrated fruit on well-drained soils. The individual vineyard blocks are managed separately so that their different characteristics can also be taken into account later in the cellar.
Quartz Stone Chardonnay is of particular importance. The wine comes from selected Chardonnay parcels with a high proportion of quartz and is one of the estate's flagship wines. Its counterpart among the red wines is Gravel Quarry Cabernet Sauvignon. Both wines represent the focus on individual sites and, together with Grand Classique, form the core of the Glen Carlou portfolio.
Grand Classique was first produced in 1989 and is one of South Africa's long-established Bordeaux blends. Cabernet Sauvignon provides the structural backbone, while Merlot contributes body and soft texture and Cabernet Franc adds aromatic freshness. Other classic Bordeaux varieties may complement the blend depending on the vintage. The focus is not on maximum power, but on balance between fruit, structure and ageing ability.
Alongside the flagship wines, the portfolio includes Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Pinot Noir, as well as a Blanc de Blancs Cap Classique. Cellar master Johnnie Calitz, who has worked with the vineyards of Simonsberg-Paarl for many years, is responsible for winemaking. The combination of precise parcel selection and a clearly structured portfolio shapes the style of the estate.
Glen Carlou thus combines the powerful ripeness of the Paarl climate with freshness and structure from the slopes of Simonsberg. Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Grand Classique in particular have shaped the estate's reputation. At Vin Africa you will find Glen Carlou wines for anyone who appreciates classic South African varietal wines and characterful blends with a clear sense of origin.