Alcohol percentage: 13.5%
Grape variety:
87% Chenin Blanc, 13% Semillon; matured in old oak barrels
Producer:
The talented and much revered Chris Alheit is making only Chenin Blanc (or Chenin blends) from exceptional sights. This is what he says about Cartology:
Concept: (meaning the study of maps) is a vinous exploration of Cape heritage. It is intended to be a picture of the Cape, seen through the lens of her mature vineyards, in a given vintage. Therefore, the cuveé is composed of rare and extraordinary parcels of mature dryland bushvines. Naturally, the varieties used are also heritage varieties, namely Chenin blanc and Semillon. They have been planted in the Cape for centuries.
The Bottle Shop rating:
Rich but under-stated. Impressive, but not instantly. A wine to be savoured slowly.