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

Viticulture

Oudam farm is an absolute treasure for Alheit. They have been through many years here, highs and lows, triumphs, and heartbreaks. They love the people and understand the land. There is something very special about this place in the mountains – isolation, old vines, low rainfall, deep red sand over red clay. Huilkrans is made from old dry farmed Chenin parcels planted between 1974 and 1989 on a gentle southern slope at 450m above sea level. These big bushvines are wide planted (low density vineyards) with yields usually in the region of 1.5 ton/Ha.

Winemaking

The grapes were hand sorted and whole bunch pressed. The juice is very lightly settled with no additions to the raw juice. Wild fermentation took place in foudres and also in old barrels of various sizes, mostly 400l. Fermentation lasted for about one month. The wine was kept on lees for around 12 months, then rested in tank on fine lees without fining for a further six months prior to bottling. Very simple, careful winemaking.

Tasting Note

This wine justifies the commitment levels needed to work with far away, very low yielding old vines from a grand cru site. The nose shows beautiful citrus juice and blossom, some salty spice. The palate rushes in full and fresh, with plenty of power and no excess weight. It finishes with a flourish of energy, confident and sure footed.

Food Matching

This works with all typical Chenin pairings but try it with mild to medium cheeses like Brie, Camembert, Gruyere, and even some creamier cheeses.