Gravel Quarry and Quartz Stone – Rediscover Glen Carlou’s Magic

Reignite your wine senses to the wonders of Glen Carlou and its award-winning wine range, in particular the new release Gravel Quarry Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 and Quartz Stone Chardonnay 2020.

Situated in the Simonsberg-Paarl region, the estate’s vineyard blocks encompass a variety of slopes and aspects - each nurtured according to its own unique potential, respecting the natural cycles of the vines.

Part of an award-winning lineage with the previous vintage scoring an impressive 91 points by the revered Tim Atkin (MW) in his 2020 South African Wine Report, the single vineyard Gravel Quarry Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 was drip irrigated and trained on a five-wire Perold trellis system. Planted in a rehabilitated gravel quarry, the soils consist of weathered granite and ‘koffieklip’. In the glass, winemaker Johnnie Calitz describes the wine as being sophisticated and powerful, which pays tribute to the soil’s identity. The nose of this noble varietal shows layers of ripe blackcurrants, dark berries, dark chocolate and nuances of bramble and cedar. Without a doubt a balanced wine, with a full and complex palate, rounded out by subtle oak spice and firm tannin. Available online via the wine shop or directly from the Tasting Room at R440 per bottle.

Gravel Quarry Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

With the 2019 vintage receiving 92 points by Tim Atkin (MW) in 2020, the Quartz Stone Chardonnay 2020 has big shoes to fill, and Johnnie feels confident that the new release will live up to the task. Meticulous vineyard management combined with exceptional terroir yielded fruit of superb quality. The Quartz Stone grapes were hand harvested in the coolness of morning, where the emphasis was on preserving the natural complexity of the fruit. ‘A complex nose of citrus, white peach, spice and buttered toast aromatics are evident on the nose of this 100% single vineyard Chardonnay. The mid-palate evolves with tantalising lime and butterscotch notes framed by a fresh citrus character. These follow through to an extended and complex aftertaste of apricot marmalade and a delicate yet creamy almond finish. Throughout the mouthfeel, the Quartz soil’s mineral identity is revealed,’ says Johnnie. Available online via the wine shop or directly from the Tasting Room at R340 per bottle.

Quartz Stone Chardonnay 2020

For more information visit www.glencarlou.com.

In 2016 the 145-hectare property was transferred back to local ownership when, Glen Carlou was purchased by a South African family consortium. Significant investments have been made for the vineyard replanting programme, one of several initiatives implemented since the change in ownership. Robust drought resistant rootstocks and new clones are being planted to increase the hectares under vine. The rich tapestries of passionate people interwoven with insightful custodians have shaped and continue to develop Glen Carlou. A splendid storyline supports.