Alheit Vineyards 'Cartology' Chenin Blanc

Alheit Vineyards 'Cartology' - Western Cape, South Africa

Widely regarded as one of South Africa's modern classics, Cartology is a wine of extraordinary purity, texture and sense of place. The nose is captivating, revealing layers of ripe pear, quince, preserved lemon and citrus blossom, intertwined with fennel, chamomile, beeswax and a distinctive savoury herbal character. The palate is beautifully poised, combining concentrated orchard fruit with vibrant acidity, remarkable depth and a fine mineral thread that carries through to an exceptionally long, saline finish. Rich without excess, it is a wine of elegance, energy and remarkable complexity that continues to evolve with every glass. 

Chris and Suzaan Alheit created Cartology as a "vinous exploration of Cape heritage" - a portrait of South Africa told through its oldest vineyards. The wine is sourced from a remarkable collection of dry-farmed bush vines, all at least 35 years old and many over 50, scattered across some of the Cape's finest growing regions, including Skurfberg, Piekenierskloof, Paardeberg, Bottelary, False Bay, Tygerberg and Franschhoek. Predominantly Chenin Blanc with a small proportion of Sémillon, each parcel is harvested by hand, whole-bunch pressed and fermented naturally in a combination of concrete eggs, old foudres and seasoned oak barrels. The wine spends around 12 months on its lees, followed by a further five months resting in tank before bottling, with no fining and minimal intervention, allowing the individuality of these historic vineyards to shine through. 

Grape Variety: Predominantly Chenin Blanc with a small proportion of Sémillon (blend varies slightly by vintage)

Style: White – Dry, medium to full-bodied, textured and mineral-driven

Drink Window: Now – 15+ years

Perfect For: Lobster, roast turbot, scallops, roast chicken, creamy mushroom dishes and mature Comté

Critic Scores:

98 points - Tim Atkin, MW

96 points - Vinous

95 points - James Suckling

A benchmark Cape white and one of the world's great Chenin Blanc-based wines, Cartology is a breathtaking expression of South Africa's old-vine heritage, combining power, finesse and an unforgettable sense of place.