Alheit Vineyards, Cartology, Western Cape, South Africa, 2023

Producer Profile

Established in 2010 by passionate husband-and-wife duo Chris and Suzaan Alheit, the estate is dedicated to producing world-class white wines that capture the soul of their origin.

With a particular focus on Chenin Blanc and Sémillon, Alheit Vineyards crafts elegant, expressive wines that celebrate the character and complexity of the Cape’s finest terroirs. Situated at Hemelrand on the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge near Hermanus, Alheit Vineyards embraces a minimalist, hands-off philosophy in its winemaking. Their approach prioritises authenticity and transparency, using techniques such as whole-bunch pressing, wild fermentation with native yeasts, and maturation in old barrels, clay amphorae, and concrete eggs. By avoiding new oak, additives, acidification, and fining, the Alheits craft wines of remarkable purity and balance – true reflections of the Cape’s diverse terroirs.

Viticulture

Cartology is a vinous exploration of Cape heritage. It’s intended to be a picture of the Cape seen through the lens of her old vineyards in a given vintage. The cuveé is composed of rare and extraordinary parcels of mature dryland bush vines, of heritage grapes, namely Chenin Blanc and Semilllon. These grapes have been planted in the Cape for centuries. Cartology has become our staple offering. It serves as a poster child for their project and also seems to have become a flag bearer for Cape heritage wine in general.

Winemaking

The grapes were hand sorted and whole bunch pressed. The juice was very lightly settled with no additions to the raw juice, wild fermentation took place in cements eggs, old foudres, and old barrels (various sizes). Fermentation of various parcels lasted anywhere between 3 weeks and 11 months. The wine was kept on lees for around 12 months, then rested in tank on fine lees without fining for a further five months prior to bottling. Very simple, careful winemaking.

Tasting Note

Ripe pear, citrus rind, and some sweet herbal notes on the nose. The palate is energetic, just about perfectly weighted somewhere between richness and crystalline refreshment. The finish is long and moreish.

Food Matching

A great match for all seafood, but with lobster it is divine.