Alheit Vineyards - Cartology 'Bushvines' 2021

Chris and Suzaan Alheit, a dedicated husband-and-wife winemaking team, draw inspiration from European traditions to craft exceptional white wines in the Cape. Based at Hemelrand on the Hemel and Aarde Ridge in Walker Bay, they focus on producing wines that combine elegance with power while avoiding excess weight. Their minimalist approach includes whole bunch pressing, natural fermentation in old barrels without new oak, and minimal intervention, eschewing enzymes, sulfur, or added yeast. The wines are aged on the lees for ten months, with fining and filtration applied only when necessary. 

Established in 2011, the Alheits manage 21 hectares of dryland bush vines across various terroirs, including Skurfberg, Perdeberg, Bottelary Hills, False Bay, Botrivier, Franschhoek, and their home base at Hemelrand. Each vineyard contributes unique characteristics to their wines, from the bright, concentrated flavors of Perdeberg's granitic soils to the dark, meaty notes from Botrivier's sedimentary soils. The Alheits' dedication to their craft results in finely balanced wines that reflect their unique terroir and minimalist winemaking philosophy.

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, old 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.

"The 2021 Cartology is a worthy follow-up to the 2020. It unfurls gradually on the nose with honeysuckle and light yellow plum and mirabelle scents, a mineral undertow that stealthily gains prominence. The palate is very well balanced with just a killer line of acidity; Nashi pear and yellow plum commingle towards a resinous finish. After 10 minutes, it really beginning to fire on all cylinders - another magnificent Cartology. Superb." - 95 Points, Vinous

Producer: Alheit Vineyards

Country: South Africa

Region: Western Cape

Varietal: Chenin Blanc

Appellation: Western Cape

Vintage: 2021

Size: 750ml