The Society's Exhibition Chenin Blanc, Western Cape 2021

From his Hemelrand cellar in the Hemel-en-Aarde valley above Hermanus, Chris Alheit continues to produce a stand-out range of wines from parcels of cherished and nurtured old vineyards. He and his wife Suzaan have also invested in land in the Swartland - Broom Ridge, the new name for the Fire by Night chenin blanc - marking an exciting new chapter.

Their first wine, Cartology, achieved international acclaim in its maiden vintage 2011, including five stars in the influential Platter's Guide to South African wines. Its back label summarises the Alheits' approach: ‘Chenin blanc and Semillon have been planted at the Cape since 1656. They are truly traditional Cape varieties. This wine could come from nowhere else. Cartology is made from rare and extraordinary parcels of mature, low-yielding bushvines. These vineyards lie between 320 and 540 meters above sea level. They are scattered across the varied and marvelous lands of the Western Cape. We take great care to vinify these parcels naturally and respectfully, letting them speak for themselves. Here is the Cape seen through the lens of her old bushvines. A tribute to those who went off in search of treasure, and found diamonds in the rough.’

Tiny quantities of additional wines have been made since – Radio Lazarus (sadly 2017 represented the last vintage from this venerable vineyard), Magnetic North, La Colline, white blend Hemelrand Vine Garden and the latest: Broom Ridge.