COLOUR
White
TYPE
Still
VINTAGE
2022
GRAPE
Chenin Blanc, Sémillon
PRODUCER
Alheit Vineyards
REGION
Western Cape
CHARACTERISTICS
Body
Medium
Sweetness
Dry
Acidity
Medium - High
Finish
Medium - Long
Intensity
Mid - Pronounced
AROMAS & FLAVOURS
ABOUT THIS WINE
Alheit Vineyards Cartology is a white wine from the Western Cape, South Africa, crafted from Chenin Blanc and Sémillon. It represents a vinous exploration of Cape heritage, aiming to be a snapshot of the region as seen through its old vineyards in a given vintage. Founded in 2010 by Chris and Suzaan Alheit, the winery focuses on finding and vinifying extraordinary old, dry-farmed bush vine vineyards. The wine's distinctiveness lies in its sourcing from rare parcels of mature, low-yielding, dryland bush vines, embodying a bygone era of viticulture and expressing the terroir and heritage of the Cape.
ALCOHOL
13.5%
AVG. PRICE
€40
STYLE
Natural
VEGAN
YES
SULPHITES
NO
When to drink
Now or Later
Ideal temperature
10-12°C
INTERESTING FACTS
Fact 01
Sourced from 8 different old vine vineyards.
Fact 02
Vines are between 40-60 years old.
Fact 03
Dry-farmed bush vines are a hallmark.
Fact 04
Minimalist winemaking with no added yeast or enzymes.
FOOD PAIRING
Read more
WINE MAKING PROCESS
The winemaking process for Alheit Vineyards Cartology begins with hand-sorting of grapes, followed by whole-bunch pressing. Wild fermentation takes place in a variety of vessels including cement eggs, clay pots, foudres, and old barrels, with fermentation times varying significantly. No additions are made to the raw juice. The wine is aged on its lees for around 12 months, followed by a further five to six months resting in tank on fine lees without fining prior to bottling. The viticulture emphasizes dry-farmed, unirrigated bush vines.
