Desert Island Wines: Alheit, Fire by Night 2017

By Yiannis Karakasis MW

Every time I taste an Alheit wine I say chapeau to Chris and Suzaan for presenting a unique wine in fantastic packaging. Such a rare treat in our era. I often wonder to myself which is better, the juice or the label (usually a tie). 
    
Fire by Night is a synopsis of old vines Chenin Blanc. Grapes are sourced from granitic soils in the Paardeberg Mountain. The vineyards were planted between 1974–1980 and it goes without saying that these are dry-farmed bush vines. The must is fermented exclusively with native yeasts in old barrels and it is aged in a cement egg. No additions are made, with the exception of sulphur, which is added post-fermentation. 

Yellow colour. Expressive nose with crushed sea shells, chamomile and thyme honey over a core of pears and apples. Has gained a certain richness with bottle ageing. There is also a chalky like quality or is it granite? Firm on the palate, focused and precise with electric acidity and medium body. Long, lingering saline and lightly phenolic aftertaste. 13.2%, TA 6.4, Ph 3.28

Ready to drink. Can Keep for another 6-8 years. Not imported in Greece, find it in wine-searcher.