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Western Cape Alheit Vineyards Cartology 2020

  • Citrus
  • Gastronomic wine
  • Rising star
  • Color: White
  • Biodynamics
  • 13% 
  • 0.75L
  • Intensity
  • Voluptuous

After a drop of this reaches your palate, you will be booking a trip to visit the Western Cape vineyards. This wine shines a light on the Chenin Blanc and Sémillon that have grown here for three centuries.  More info

Cartology is an exploration of Western Cape vineyards, travelling through a selection of Chenin Blanc and Sémillon plots where no irrigation is used. These two varieties, grown for many centuries in this South African region, represent the country’s wine-growing heritage. The Chenin, which makes up 93% of the blend, comes from parcels in Skurfgerg, Perdeberg, Upper Blaauwklippen, False Bay and Tygerberg, while the Sémillon is from a plot in Franschhoek. The vines are about forty years old and produce reduced yields of 20hl/ha, meaning that the grapes are very concentrated. Harvested by hand, entire bunches are pressed and turned into wine by natural yeasts in cement eggs, amphorae, large barrels, and old barrels. The wine matures for 12 months on its lees and then for an additional six months in vats.
This golden cuvée releases notes of citrus fruits, pears, white blossom and spices as it swirls around the glass. A herbaceous hint adds a freshness to the mix. The round, ample palate is balanced by a beautiful acidity which extends into the long finish.

Western Cape Alheit Vineyards Cartology serve at a temperature of 10°C. It will pair perfectly with the following dishes: Brouillade d'œuf aux truffes, Carpaccio de veau, Coquilles Saint Jacques au gingembre.

Lot presentation
Western Cape Alheit Vineyards Cartology

The wine

Cartology is an exploration of Western Cape vineyards, travelling through a selection of Chenin Blanc and Sémillon plots where no irrigation is used. These two varieties, grown for many centuries in this South African region, represent the country’s wine-growing heritage. The Chenin, which makes up 93% of the blend, comes from parcels in Skurfgerg, Perdeberg, Upper Blaauwklippen, False Bay and Tygerberg, while the Sémillon is from a plot in Franschhoek. The vines are about forty years old and produce reduced yields of 20hl/ha, meaning that the grapes are very concentrated. Harvested by hand, entire bunches are pressed and turned into wine by natural yeasts in cement eggs, amphorae, large barrels, and old barrels. The wine matures for 12 months on its lees and then for an additional six months in vats.
This golden cuvée releases notes of citrus fruits, pears, white blossom and spices as it swirls around the glass. A herbaceous hint adds a freshness to the mix. The round, ample palate is balanced by a beautiful acidity which extends into the long finish.

Information about domain Alheit Vineyards

This property, established in 2010 by Chris and Suzaan Alheit, is located in South Africa. Before embarking on this venture, this gifted couple had already begun their journey both domestically and internationally working in California, Australia, and even in Germany, where they explored the magnificent terroir of the Mosel region. Through these experiences, they came to appreciate the importance of terroir, which they elevate through the least interventionist methods of viticulture and vinification possible. Unsurprisingly, the crops are hand-harvested, and native yeasts play a significant role in the winery. Convinced that white wines from the Cape Town region are really unique, they cultivate old Chenin Blanc vines, allowing the grapes to undergo alcoholic fermentation in wood. Their outstanding expertise allows the wines to unveil genuine elegance, dispelling any preconceived notions we may hold about southern hemisphere wines.

Detailed characteristics

  • Quantity: 1 Bottle
  • Level: 1 into-neck
  • Label: 1 good appearance
  • Origin: Producer
  • Recoverable VAT: Yes
  • Original Wooden Case / Original Case: No
  • French customs seal: no
  • Alcohol percentage: 13 %
  • Country/Region: South Africa - Western Cape
  • Appellation/Wine: Western Cape
  • Vintage: 2020
  • Color: White
  • Service temperature: 10°
  • Viticulture: Biodynamics 
  • Intensity: Voluptuous
  • Dominant aroma: Citrus
  • Tasting occasion: Gastronomic wine
  • Grape variety: Chenin Blanc, Sémillon
Western Cape Alheit Vineyards Cartology
Western Cape Alheit Vineyards Cartology

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