M.P.H.S

Excellent with Lamb chops served with rosemary, garlic, and a red wine jus, wild mushroom risotto, mature cheeses, such as aged Gouda or matured Cheddar or Char grilled steak.

Cabernet Franc: The vines were 26 years old at the time of harvesting; south-west facing and situated some 400 m 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 4 tons per hectare. Cabernet Sauvignon: The vines were 14 years old at the time of harvesting, north to north- west facing and situated some 300 m 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 lees, the Cabernet Sauvignon component was in 100% new French oak barrels and the Cabernet Franc was in 100% 2nd fill French oak barrels for 18 months. The wine was blended without fining and received a light filtration before it was bottled in late 2023.

The Cabernet Franc grapes were hand harvested at 25 Balling in mid -March 2022 and the Cabernet Sauvignon grapes at 25 Balling in late-March 2022. Grapes were vinified separately and fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks at 25C. The pump over method was used to ensure maximum extraction of colour and tannins. The wines were pressed after 14-20 days.

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.