Alheit Vineyards Cartology Bush Vines 2023

Alheit Vineyards Cartology Bush Vines 2023

 

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Alheit Vineyards
Cartology Bush Vines 2023
  • Vintage : 2023
  • Country : South Africa
  • Region :
  • Subregion :
  • Type : White
  • Style : Creamy Full Bodied White
  • Format : 75cl
  • Alcohol : 13°
  • Grappes : 94% Chenin Blanc, 6% Sémillon

Alheit Vineyards Cartology 2023 is a remarkable expression of South African heritage, crafted from old-vine Chenin Blanc and Semillon, capturing the soul of Cape winemaking.

Experts Score Vintage
RP Robert Parker 93 2022
VN Vinous (Antonio Galloni) 95 2021
W&S Wines & Spirits 91 2021
WS Wine Spectator 92 2020
More information on wine critics and ratings

Region and Vineyards

Cartology is crafted from a collection of old dryland bush vines spread across the Western Cape, with an average age of 40-50 years. These low-yielding vineyards, producing approximately 3 tons per hectare, are planted in regions like Skurfberg, Piekenierskloof, Malmesbury, Paardeberg, Bottelary, False Bay, and Tygerberg.

The Chenin Blanc (94%) dominates the blend and comes from these historic sites, while the Semillon (6%) is sourced from the renowned La Colline block in Franschhoek, adding depth and texture. The diversity of these sites provides a multi-dimensional profile, reflecting the Cape’s complex terroirs.

Winemaking and Maturation

The grapes for Cartology 2023 were hand-sorted and whole-bunch pressed, ensuring only the highest quality juice. The raw juice was left intentionally cloudy and underwent wild fermentation in a mix of cement eggs, old foudres, and used barrels of various sizes. This fermentation process lasted anywhere from three weeks to 11 months, showcasing the individuality of each parcel.

Post-fermentation, the wine remained on its lees for approximately 12 months, enhancing texture and complexity. It then rested in tanks on fine lees for an additional five months before bottling. The result is a wine with depth, energy, and purity, achieved through careful, minimalist winemaking.

Tasting Notes

  • Color: Bright straw yellow with golden reflections.
  • Aroma: Ripe pear, citrus rind, and subtle herbal undertones dominate the bouquet, creating an inviting and layered aromatic profile.
  • Palate: A harmonious balance between richness and crystalline freshness, with energetic acidity. The wine finishes long and savory, leaving a moreish impression.

Did you know?

The name Cartology, meaning "the study of maps or charts," symbolizes the journey of discovering these rare old vineyards. It reflects the wine’s role as a vinous map of the Cape, uniting history, terroir, and craftsmanship in a single bottle.

Wine Pairing Ideas

  • Cape Malay chicken curry: The wine’s acidity and citrus notes cut through the richness of the curry while complementing its complex spices.
  • Grilled lobster with garlic butter: The ripe fruit and savory finish enhance the sweetness of the lobster and the richness of the butter.
  • Roasted root vegetables with thyme: The herbal undertones and vibrant freshness harmonize beautifully with earthy, caramelized flavors.
  • Aged Gruyère cheese: The wine’s energy and subtle complexity balance the nutty creaminess of the cheese.

Robert Parker (RP) : 93 Points (2022)
Mostly Chenin Blanc with 8% Sémillon, the 2022 Cartology Bush Vines instantly impresses with fantastic balance and weight, offering succulent aromas of lemon, almonds and dusty citrus blossoms. Medium-bodied and with 13% alcohol, the palate is fresh, clean and mineral driven with a subtly spiced chassis before displaying a food-friendly finish that will benefit from another year in the bottle. Just over 27,000 bottles were produced after resting in a mix of cement eggs, old foudre and old barrels.

Vinous (Antonio Galloni) (VN) : 95 Points (2021)
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.

Wines & Spirits (W&S) : 91 Points (2021)
This chenin includes ten percent semillon and showcases restrained flavors, layering together citrus oil richness and a mouthwatering texture ready for pork chops. The fruit of dry-farmed bush vines at least 35 years of age, this wine’s intensity marks the long finish, where clean pear flavors come to prominence. It should show more personality with age.

Wine Spectator (WS) : 92 Points (2020)
This racy white delivers macerated raspberry and apricot fruit accented by delicate dried chamomile and milled white pepper notes. Light- to medium-bodied, with a backbone of rapierlike acidity wrapped in a honeyed, lightly mouth-coating texture. Minerally finish. Chenin Blanc and Sémillon.

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