MPHS

A wine with an unforgettable presence. Excellent enjoyed on its own or served with dishes such as sautéed pork chops served with fennel or a wild-mushroom ragù served with pappardelle pasta and parmigiano cheese.

Cabernet Franc – The vines were 20 years old at the time of harvesting, west-facing and situated some 400m above sea level. Grown in deep Hutton soil, the vines are located on slopes cooled by afternoon sea breezes. Drip irrigation was used only when deemed necessary. The yield achieved was 5 tons per hectare. Cabernet Sauvignon – The vines were 9 years old at the time of harvesting, north to northwest facing and situated some 300m above sea level. Grown in rocky, decomposed granite soil, they are located on slopes cooled by afternoon sea breezes. Drip irrigation was used only when deemed necessary. The vines yielded an average of 7 tons per hectare.

After malolactic fermentation it was racked off the less and back into barrel for 18 months. The wine was blended without fining and received a light filtering before it was bottled in early 2018.

The Cabernet Franc grapes were hand-harvested at 24° to 25° Balling in early March 2016 and the Cabernet Sauvignon grapes at 24° to 25° Balling in late March 2016. Grapes were vinified separately and fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks at 25° to 27°C. The pump-over method was used to ensure maximum extraction of colour. The wines were pressed after 10 days and were racked into new 300L French oak barrels.

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.