Alheit Cartology 2023

Alheit Cartology 2023

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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 bushvines, of heritage grapes, namely Chenin Blanc and Sémillon. These grapes have been planted in the Cape for centuries. Cartology has become our staple offering. It serves as a poster child for our project, and also seems to have become a flag bearer for Cape heritage wine in general.
  • Country - South Africa
  • Region - Western Cape
  • Grape - Chenin Blanc, Semillon
  • Food Match - Crab, Lobster, Asian Cuisine, Chicken, Hard Cheese, Poultry, Risotto, Tuna
  • Vintage - 2023
  • Alcohol - 13.3%
  • Size - 75cl

As a rule, the Cartology parcels are dry farmed bushvines, with a minimum age of 35 years, although most are between 40 and 50 years old. Average yields for these parcels is around 3 tons/Ha or around 20hl/Ha. Cartology 2022 is 92% Chenin Blanc and 8% Sémillon. The Chenin comes from our parcels in the Skurfberg, Malmesbury, Perdeberg, Bottelary, Upper Blaauwklippen, False Bay and Tygerberg. The Sémillon comes from the old La Colline block in Franschhoek.

2023 - This wine makes me smile. There are times as a winemaker when you wonder to yourself if you still have the conviction and the passion you once did. This wine puts a reassuring hand on my shoulder and answers the secret internal question. Passion is great, experience with is greater. Conviction grows into perseverance. Keep going man, keep going. The nose is bloody great and so is the palate. End of note. More specifically, expect 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. - Chris Alheit

The grapes were hand sorted and whole bunch pressed. The juice was very lightly settled (we like very cloudy raw juice) with no additions to the raw juice, wild fermentation took place in cements eggs, clay pots, 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.

“This pioneering white blend, paying tribute to the diversity and history of the Cape, is a cuvée of Chenin Blanc and 6% Semillon in 2023, using components from the Skurfberg, Piekenierskloof, Malmesbury, the Paardeberg, Bottelary, False Bay and (for the first time) Tygerberg. Mineral, sappy, spicy and effortlessly focused like a rifle site, it has layers of oatmeal, citrus and wet stones and a savoury finish. 2025-35 .”
96 points, Tim Atkin MW.

“95% Chenin Blanc and 6% Semillon – the Franschhoek vineyard normally bottled under the Monument label employed here. Expressive aromatics with notes of lime, lemon, white peach, Granny Smith apple and floral perfume. Excellent fruit concentration, plenty of drive and a dry finish. Wonderfully precise, even more remarkable given that production is not inconsiderable, this vintage amounting to 27,405 bottles and 240 magnums.” 
95 points, Christian Eedes, winemag.co.za.

  • Alc: 13.11% RS: 2.0g/l TA: 5.67g/l pH: 3.36
  • Varieties: 94% Chenin, 6% Semillon
  • Origin: Western Cape
  • Production: 27405 bottles and 240 magnums
  • Bottling date: May 2024
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