Alheit Vineyards Cartology 2016

Alheit Vineyards Cartology White Blend 2016

Cartology is a vinous exploration of Cape heritage. It’s intended to be a picture of the Cape. 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.

Vineyards

Firstly, the Cartology parcels are dry-farmed bush vines with a minimum age of thirty-five years. Average yields for these parcels are around three tons/Ha or around 20hl/Ha.

Secondly, the Cartology is a blend of roughly 90% Chenin blanc and 10% Sémillon. Thus, the Chenin comes from parcels in the Skurfberg, Malmesbury, Perdeberg, Bottelary, Upper Blaauwklippen, False Bay and Tygerberg.  The Sémillon comes from the old La Colline block in Franschhoek.

Winemaking and Maturation

Both hand-sorted and a whole bunch pressed. Thus, Spontaneous fermentation took place in cement eggs, clay pots, foudres, and old barrels (various sizes). In fact, the fermentation of various parcels lasted anywhere between 3 weeks and 11 months. Very simple, careful winemaking.

Tasting Notes

Both the nose and palate shows citrus oil and pear, with some subtle floral/honey tones. Flavour persists and even intensifies throughout its length. Equally, the wine finishes dry and saline, refreshing the palate.

Technical Details

Varieties: 90% Chenin Blanc, 10% Sémillon

Wine of origin: Western Cape

The Name: Cartology means the study of maps or charts. It could not be a more perfect name for this wine.