Alheit Vineyards - Cartology 2020
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 starting out making pineapple beer under his bed as a child, studied viticulture in Stellenbosch where he met his wife Susan with whom he manages today the Domain. After their studies, the couple traveled to different wine-growing regions of the world (Napa Valley, Saint Emilion, Australia, Germany, etc.), which aroused respect and admiration for committed viticulture . They work on 21 hectares of vines in several regions as well as parcels of lavender and olive trees. The 8 parcels of vines 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 main offer and the best introduction to their wines. Cartology 2020 is a blend of Chenin Blanc (93%) and Sémillon (7%) from rare plots and mature vines on arid lands. The grapes are sorted by hand and pressed in whole bunches . The juice is very lightly decanted without additions. Fermentation takes place in egg-shaped cement or clay vats, vats or old barrels (different sizes) and lasts between 3 weeks and 11 months. The wine is aged on lees for about 12 months , then rested in vats on fine lees without fining for an additional 6 months before bottling.
Grapes: 93% Chenin Blanc, 7% Semillon