Alheit Vineyards - Hemelrand Vine Garden 2023
Alheit Vineyard is located in Hemelrand , in the Walker Bay region of South Africa . The estate was established in 2011 by Chris Alheit , who started out making pineapple beer under his bed as a child. , studied viticulture in Stellenbosch where he met his wife Susan with whom he now manages the Estate. After their studies, the couple traveled to different wine regions of the world (Napa Valley, Saint Emilion, Australia, Germany, etc.) who has aroused respect and admiration for committed viticulture . They work on 21 hectares of vines in several regions as well as plots of lavender and olive trees. The 8 plots of vines are located in Skurfberg, Piekenierskloof, Paardeberg, Bottelary Hills, Tygerberg , Franschhoek, False Bay and Hemel & Aarde. They have a minimalist approach to winemaking, and for them 99% of the work is done in the vineyard and 1% in the cellar.
Hemelrand is located on the cold and windy ridge of Hemel & Aarde at 360 meters above sea level, on gravelly clay and sandstone. The vineyard was planted in 2010 with Chardonnay, Roussanne, Verdelho, Chenin blanc and Muscat Blanc. Petit Grain. The 2023 vintage is a blend of Chardonnay (36%), Roussanne (28%), Chenin Blanc (18%), Verdelho (17%) and Muscat (1%) . Each variety is harvested and pressed separately in whole bunches . The juice was very lightly clarified without additives, fermentation with indigenous yeasts took place in old barrels of different sizes. Fermentation lasted about 2 months. The wine was aged on lees for about 12 months , then rested in vats on fine lees without fining for an additional 6 months before bottling .
Grape varieties: 36% Chardonnay, 28% Roussanne, 18% Chenin Blanc, 17% Verdelho, 1% Muscat