Alto Estate Red Blend 2022: A Testament to Cool Vintage Elegance

Alto Estate is one of my favourite red wine focused wineries situated in the 'Golden Triangle' of Stellenbosch. As a renowned brand known for crafting exceptional and highly awarded wines that reflect the region's unique terroir, we are all excited to taste their latest release - the 2022 vintage of the Alto Estate Red Blend.

But hang on, if it is a Stellenbosch red, why is it considered 'cool vintage'?

According to Bertho van der Westhuizen, Alto's winemaker, the vineyards' elevation, ranges from 135m to 500m above sea level. This elevation, coupled with a north-facing slope, creates the perfect environment for grape cultivation. The constant afternoon sun paired with the cool oceanic airflows from False Bay result in even ripening and exciting flavour profiles.

What's in the Alto Estate Red Blend?

This vintage is crafted from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (60%), Shiraz (30%), and Cabernet Franc (10%). Each varietal component is carefully selected to express the nuances of Alto's distinctive terroir, rooted in the Helderberg slopes.

The 2022 Vintage growing season

Following a cold, wet winter, the 2022 vintage began with a late start and a mild summer, allowing for slow and even ripening of the grapes. This extended hang-time led to immense fruit concentration, vibrant colour, and balanced acidity, characteristic of Alto's Estate Red Blend.

From Vine to Barrel, crafting excellence in the cellar

The Alto Estate Red Blend grapes were harvested at optimal ripeness, ranging between 24° to 25° balling, and each variety was vinified separately. Fermentation occurred in stainless steel tanks with regular pump-overs to ensure harmonious extraction. The wine then underwent malolactic fermentation in French oak barrels, where it matured for 18 months, with 70% new wood.

You better believe it had spent time in new oak barrels with a price point of more than R400 a bottle. And although this price may seem steep for most South Africans, it's a spoil worth investing in.

How does it taste?

Bertho highlights the 2022 vintage as a standout year for red wines at Alto Estate. The Estate Blend boasts a firm backbone of muscular tannins, complemented by plush dark-fruit flavours and a hint of spice. This refined and elegant red wine is destined to mature splendidly over the next decade, offering a testament to Alto's commitment to excellence.

So if your mouth isn't watering by now, imagine this wine paired with a juicy South African steak, sitting in a red wine jus. Alongside it, creamy mashed potatoes sprinkled with freshly cracked black pepper and just the right amount of rooty, char-grilled veggies. Drooling!

Get this wine yesterday!

The Alto Estate Red Blend 2022 certainly is one for your private collection so get it while it's hot directly from the Alto Website at R450 a bottle.