Alheit Cartology 2022
Alheit Cartology 2022
Alheit Cartology 2022
Alheit Cartology 2022

Alheit Cartology 2022

£37.50
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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 - Roasted Chicken, Cheese, Duck, Pork, Poultry, Risotto, Seafood, Tuna
  • Vintage - 2022
  • 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.

The nose shows citrus oil and pear, with some subtle floral/honey tones. The palate is very well proportioned, with firm mid-palate structure, medium rich mouth feel, and long carry. Flavour persists and even intensifies throughout its length. The wine finishes dry and saline, refreshing the palate. This vintage has a sappy, thirst-quenching quality about it.

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 flagship blend from Chris Alheit is made from 92% Chenin Blanc and 8% Semillon grapes sourced from eight disparate old vine vineyards of between 40 and 60 years old. The youthful aromatics display a melange of granitic minerality over notes of peach, tangerine, orange oil and wet hay nuances. The 2022 is beautifully cool, harmonious and overtly mineral-led with dusty dried herbs, white peach, green pear and yellow stone fruits. The acids are gentle, soft spoken but deliciously tangy and the finish creamy, leesy and delightfully mouth-coating with and impressively persistent length. Yet another superb Cartology release from Chris ‘Butch’ Alheit. Drink now and over the next 10 to 12+ years..”
95+ points, Greg Sherwood MW.

“92% Chenin Blanc and 8% Semillon sourced from across the Western Cape – total production: 27 000 bottles and 240 magnums. Inviting aromatics of pear, peach, citrus, white flowers, thatch and fynbos while the palate shows great purity of fruit, driving acidity and a pithy finish. Poised and linear, the finish wonderfully long. Alc: 13.28%.” 
96 points, Christian Eedes, winemag.co.za.

  • Alc:13.28%
  • RS:1.8g/l TA:5.55g/l pH:3.37 Varieties: 92% Chenin, 8%Sémillon
  • Origin: Western Cape
  • Production: 27000 bottles and 240 magnums
  • Bottling date: May 2023