Alheit Vineyards : Cartology 2022

Characteristics and tasting tips for Cartology 2022 from Alheit Vineyards

Tasting

Nose
On the nose, aromas of citrus fruits and pear unfold, accompanied by subtle floral and honeyed notes.

Palate
On the palate, the wine shows a firm mid-palate structure with a medium-bodied texture. The palate offers a fine length, with flavors that persist and intensify as the tasting unfolds. The finish stands out for its dry, salty, and juicy character, delivering a refreshing, thirst-quenching sensation.

Serving recommendation and cellaring

To fully enjoy Cartology 2022, it is recommended to serve it well chilled.

A Chenin Blanc from the Western Cape combining structure and freshness

The estate

Founded in 2011 by Chris and Suzaan Alheit, Alheit Vineyards has established itself as a benchmark of South African winemaking in the Western Cape region. The couple, who met at Stellenbosch University and enriched their expertise through international experience, now run this family estate, based in Hemel-en-Aarde near Hermanus. Their minimalist philosophy focuses on old bush vines, dry farming, and natural fermentations with indigenous yeasts, producing outstanding white wines that authentically express the Cape’s terroirs.

The vineyard

Cartology 2022 comes from a selection of old dry-farmed bush vines that are at least 35 years old, most between 40 and 50 years. These vines are spread across the Western Cape, notably in Skurfberg, Malmesbury, Perdeberg, Bottelary, Upper Blaauwklippen, False Bay, and Tygerberg for the Chenin Blanc, while the Sémillon comes from the La Colline block in Franschhoek. Yields are particularly low, around 20 hectoliters per hectare, resulting in grapes of exceptional concentration.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes for Cartology 2022 are hand-sorted and then whole-bunch pressed. The lightly clarified must, which retains a degree of turbidity, is then vinified without any additions through spontaneous fermentations with indigenous yeasts. Depending on the batch, these fermentations last from 3 weeks to 11 months. Vinification takes place in different vessels: concrete eggs, clay amphorae, foudres, and old barriques of various sizes. The wine then ages for 12 months on the lees, followed by a further 5 months in tank on fine lees. No fining is carried out.

Grape varieties

This white wine from South Africa is a blend of Chenin Blanc (92%) and Sémillon (8%).