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Alto Cabernet Blend 2022
Primary flavours

Blackberry

Blackcurrant

Blueberry

Dark Plum

Capsicum

Cedar

Cinnamon

Sweet Spices

Tobacco

Vanilla
Details
The 100th vintage of Alto Rouge is a testament to timeless craftsmanship - a bold, dark ruby blend led by Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and Cabernet Franc, with a splash of Petit Verdot for added depth. Aged for 18 months in a mix of French and American oak, it offers aromas of dark berries, cedar, and subtle spice, with a palate that’s smooth yet structured, showing ripe plum, blackcurrant, and a hint of vanilla. Elegant enough to age, but approachable enough to enjoy now - this iconic red continues to earn its place in South African wine history.
Perched on the steep northern slopes of the Helderberg in Stellenbosch, Alto Wine Estate stands as one of South Africa’s oldest and most respected red wine producers. With a winemaking legacy dating back over a century - Alto has long been synonymous with bold, expressive reds rooted in exceptional terroir. The name "Alto" reflects both the farm’s high-altitude vineyards and the Malan family's early pursuit of winemaking excellence, which began in 1919 when they dedicated the estate entirely to vineyards. Since then, only five winemakers have carried the Alto baton, each building on the legacy of those before them, from rugby-playing vintner Hempies du Toit to the current cellar master, Bertho van der Westhuizen. What truly sets Alto apart is its location in Stellenbosch’s prized ‘Golden Triangle’ - a sweet spot for red wine production. The vineyards climb from 100 to 500 metres above sea level, soaking up late-afternoon sun while benefiting from the cooling sea breezes off False Bay. This unique combination delivers rich concentration, complexity, and finesse in every bottle. With a commitment to estate-grown fruit, meticulous vineyard selection, and a heritage of excellence passed down through generations, Alto continues to define what South African red wine can be: powerful, elegant, and timeless.
Perched on the steep northern slopes of the Helderberg in Stellenbosch, Alto Wine Estate stands as one of South Africa’s oldest and most respected red wine producers. With a winemaking legacy dating back over a century - Alto has long been synonymous with bold, expressive reds rooted in exceptional terroir. The name "Alto" reflects both the farm’s high-altitude vineyards and the Malan family's early pursuit of winemaking excellence, which began in 1919 when they dedicated the estate entirely to vineyards. Since then, only five winemakers have carried the Alto baton, each building on the legacy of those before them, from rugby-playing vintner Hempies du Toit to the current cellar master, Bertho van der Westhuizen. What truly sets Alto apart is its location in Stellenbosch’s prized ‘Golden Triangle’ - a sweet spot for red wine production. The vineyards climb from 100 to 500 metres above sea level, soaking up late-afternoon sun while benefiting from the cooling sea breezes off False Bay. This unique combination delivers rich concentration, complexity, and finesse in every bottle. With a commitment to estate-grown fruit, meticulous vineyard selection, and a heritage of excellence passed down through generations, Alto continues to define what South African red wine can be: powerful, elegant, and timeless.
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Taste Profile
This wine’s tasting notes.
Sweetness
nonesomelots
Body
lightmediumfull
Fruitiness
lowmediumhigh
Tannins
lowmediumhigh
Acidity
lowmediumhigh
Oak
nonesomelots
Alcohol
low
(under 12%)medium
(12-14%)high
(14%+)
Taste Summary
This wine’s tasting notes are leaning towards full bodied, low sweetness, with high acidity, very fruity, high tannins, high alcohol and some oak.
Specs
Region
Stellenbosch
country
South Africa
Grape type
Cabernet Blend
Wine Maker
Alto
Alcohol
14.5%
Vintage
2022
Cellar period
1-3 years
Closure
Cork (Natural)
Production method
Vegan
Temperature
Room Temperature 15°C-18°C
collection
Pairing guide
Alto Rouge’s bold yet approachable character makes it a versatile partner at the table. Pair it with classic comfort dishes like slow-cooked beef short ribs, grilled lamb chops with rosemary, or a smoky steak with chimichurri. For something a little different, try it with a spicy lamb rogan josh or a rich mushroom risotto with parmesan and thyme. Its firm tannins and dark fruit notes also hold up beautifully against aged cheddar or a charcuterie board with biltong, olives, and smoked meats - perfect for laid-back evenings or long Sunday lunches.
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Food

Veal

Grilled Meat

Parmigiana

Smoked Meat

Lamb
Tastes

Bitter

Rich

Earthy
Moods

Adventurous

Excited

Relaxed
Seasons

Autumn

Cooler Months
Recipe Matches
Wine region

Stellenbosch, South Africa
Stellenbosch is one of South Africa’s premier wine regions, located in the Western Cape, outside Cape Town. In South Africa, wine regions are known as winelands. Stellenbosch means ‘town of oaks’ and its winemaking dates back to the 17th century. The mountainous terrain, good rainfall, deep well-drained soils and diversity of terroirs make this a sought-after viticultural area. The wineland itself is known for high quality Cabernet Sauvignon, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay as well as the local speciality, Pinotage.
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