Alheit Vineyards - Cartology 2019
Alheit Vineyard is located in Hemelrand, in the Walker Bay region of South Africa. The Estate was created in 2011 by Chris Alheit, who after having started making pineapple-based beer under his bed as a child, studied viticulture at Stellenbosch where he met his wife Susan with whom he manages the estate today. After their studies, the couple traveled to different wine-growing regions of the world (Napa Valley, Saint Emilion, Australia, Germany…) which aroused respect and admiration for engaged viticulture. They work 21 hectares of vines in several regions as well as plots of lavender and olive trees. The 8 plots of vineyards are located in Skurfberg, Piekenierskloof, Paardeberg, Bottelary Hills, Tygerberg, Franschhoek, False Bay and Hemel & Aarde. They have a minimalist approach to wine making, and for them 99% of the work is done in the vineyard and 1% in the cellar.
Cartology is the first wine produced by Chris and Susan Alheit in 2011, it is now part of their core offering and the best introduction to their wines. Cartology 2019 is a blend of Chenin Blanc (90%) and Sémillon (10%) from rare plots and bush vines on arid lands. The grapes are hand-sorted and whole bunch pressed. The juice is very lightly settled with no additions. Fermentation is carried out in either cements eggs, clay pots, foudres, or old barrels (various sizes) and lasts anywhere between 3 weeks and 11 months. The wine is kept on lees for around 12 months, then rested in tank on fine lees without fining for a further 6 months prior to bottling.
Grape varieties: 90% Chenin Blanc, 10% Sémillon