Fine Old Vintage

This fine old vintage can be enjoyed on its own or with food. It pairs superbly with full-flavoured cheeses, rich desserts, nuts and fine coffee. Serve at 18º C.

The grapes came from vineyards planted in deep, red, decomposed granite and clay soils on a north-westerly slope, situated some 200m to 400m above sea level. The vines are grown under dryland conditions and are trellised on a five-wire hedge system. They yielded 5 to 6 tons per hectare.

To preserve the fruit components, the winemaker opted for 12 months in 300-litre oak barrels.

The 2008 vintage produced superb, slow-ripening Shiraz grapes with concentrated fruit flavours. Hand-picked at optimum ripeness, the grapes were destalked and crushed. Colour and tannins were extracted during a short fermentation process which was halted by the addition of fine brandy spirits in the traditional manner. Wood was used judiciously.

Alto is a historic Stellenbosch wine estate dedicated exclusively to red wine, with vineyards planted on the elevated slopes of the Helderberg since 1919. Best known for Cabernet Sauvignon and its classic red blends, Alto has built a century-long reputation for structured, full-bodied South African reds with impressive ageing potential.