Get to know: Glenwood Unoaked Chardonnay 2024
A vibrant and expressive South African Chardonnay from the sought-after Franschhoek Valley.
Tasting Note
GlenWood Unoaked Chardonnay 2024 is a fresh, fruit-forward white that lets the purity of Chardonnay shine without the influence of oak. Pale lemon in colour, it opens with lifted aromas of orange blossom, lime zest, green apple, and a subtle hint of peach. On the palate, this Franschhoek Chardonnay is crisp and lively, with bright citrus and orchard fruit flavours supported by a gentle creaminess from lees contact. The texture adds a soft roundness, balancing the wine’s natural acidity, before finishing clean, zesty, and refreshing. A modern unoaked Chardonnay that’s all about clarity, energy, and drinkability.
Top food pairings:
- Fresh sushi or sashimi
- Crunchy green salads with citrus dressing
- Grilled chicken with lemon and herbs
Kate Says
"This is a great one if you want to really understand Chardonnay – no oak, just pure fruit and texture from the lees. It’s got that juicy pineapple and cream feel, but still finishes nice and fresh. I’m a fan."
Producer Info
GlenWood Estate is a highly regarded producer in the Franschhoek Valley, known for crafting precise, expressive wines that reflect their unique vineyard sites. Nestled in the Robertsvlei Valley, the estate benefits from a cooler microclimate and careful vineyard management, allowing grapes to ripen slowly while retaining freshness. Their hands-on approach and focus on quality have earned them a strong reputation among fans of premium South African white wine.
How it’s made:
- Varieties: 100% Chardonnay
- Harvested at optimal ripeness (22.2° Balling) to balance freshness and flavour
- Whole-bunch pressed gently at low pressure to preserve purity
- Natural fermentation over 17 days to enhance character
- Aged for 2 months on gross lees to build texture and complexity
Good to know:
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Region: Franschhoek, South Africa
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Style: White, still, fresh and unoaked
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Closure: Screwcap
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Vegan: No
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ABV: 13.5%
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Vintage: 2024
Why we love it:
This South African Chardonnay is a brilliant example of how expressive and textural an unoaked style can be. With its bright citrus fruit, subtle creaminess, and refreshing finish, it’s perfect for lighter dishes or simply enjoying well chilled.