Carel van Zyl Grenache Noir 2024

Carel van Zyl Grenache Noir 2024 is a beautifully crafted old vine red wine from the high-altitude Piekenierskloof region in South Africa. Made from 100% Grenache Noir, this elegant wine combines vibrant berry fruit, refined spice and silky tannins with freshness and balance.

Product Story

The grapes for this Grenache Noir were handpicked early in the morning to preserve freshness and delicate aromatics. Around 30% whole bunch grapes were added to the destemmed fruit in a traditional wooden foudre, bringing added complexity and structure to the wine.

After a cold soak period, fermentation temperatures were carefully maintained below 22°C. Gentle punch-downs and pump-overs enhanced flavour, colour and tannin extraction while preserving the wine’s elegant character.

Following fermentation, the wine matured for eight months in older 500-litre barrels before bottling. An additional six months of bottle ageing helped refine the wine before release.

Tasting Notes

This expressive Grenache Noir opens with vibrant aromas of blueberries, raspberries and violets. The palate is fresh and fruit-driven with soft texture, balanced acidity and silky tannins. A subtle note of white pepper spice lingers on the finish, adding elegance and complexity.

Style: Elegant, fruit-forward and silky
Grape variety: 100% Grenache Noir
Alcohol: 13.64%
pH: 3.44
Total acidity: 5.8 g/l
Residual sugar: 3.4 g/l
Serving temperature: 14–16°C
Cellar life: 8–10 years

Food Pairing

Carel van Zyl Grenache Noir is a versatile food wine that pairs beautifully with pasta dishes, hearty meat platters, seafood pasta and tomato-based stews. It also complements white cheddar, matured cheeses and parma ham exceptionally well.

Origin: Piekenierskloof

The Piekenierskloof plateau lies approximately 160 km north of Cape Town and benefits from its elevated position between 600 and 750 metres above sea level. The old, ungrafted bush vines grow in sandy loam soils and are cooled by evening air flowing from the Atlantic Ocean.

Despite a challenging 2024 growing season marked by wet winter conditions followed by a dry and windy summer, the dryland bush vines showed remarkable resilience. Smaller berry sizes and extended ripening resulted in concentrated flavours, excellent colour and refined tannin structure.

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