Story
The Alto vineyard solely produces red wine. Alto remains, the realm of superlative red wines. The founders, Manie Malan and his father, Hennie, recognised that the unique aspect, soils and slopes were ideal for crafting full-bodied red wines. They named the farm Alto, homage to both the farm’s altitude and the family’s pursuit of excellence.
The first vintage of alto rouge was crafted in 1922 and has truly stood the test of time. It will always be an integral part of Cape Wine history and a popular choice among red wine lovers worldwide.
Tasting Notes
Dark cherry, black plum, and smoky undertones meet polished tannins and firm structure — a wine of quiet intensity. A fitting musical match is “Va tacito e nascosto” from Handel’s Giulio Cesare. With its deliberate pacing and refined strength, the aria mirrors the wine’s balance of richness. Just as the music moves with precision, the wine reveals layers of fruit, earth, and spice.
Winemaker’s Note
The five grape varieties in this blend were harvested at optimal ripeness (23.5°–25° Balling) and vinified separately. Each fermented on the skins for 7–12 days at 25°–27°C in closed stainless-steel tanks, with regular pump-overs. After malolactic fermentation, the wines matured for 14–18 months in a mix of first-, second-, and third-fill barriques — 90% French and 10% American oak — before blending to perfection.
Food Pairing
Beautiful on its own or paired with grilled beef, Italian cuisine or matured cheese such as Cheddar and Edam.
Story
The Alto vineyard solely produces red wine. Alto remains, the realm of superlative red wines. The founders, Manie Malan and his father, Hennie, recognised that the unique aspect, soils and slopes were ideal for crafting full-bodied red wines. They named the farm Alto, homage to both the farm’s altitude and the family’s pursuit of excellence.
The first vintage of alto rouge was crafted in 1922 and has truly stood the test of time. It will always be an integral part of Cape Wine history and a popular choice among red wine lovers worldwide.
Tasting Notes
Dark cherry, black plum, and smoky undertones meet polished tannins and firm structure — a wine of quiet intensity. A fitting musical match is “Va tacito e nascosto” from Handel’s Giulio Cesare. With its deliberate pacing and refined strength, the aria mirrors the wine’s balance of richness. Just as the music moves with precision, the wine reveals layers of fruit, earth, and spice.
Winemaker’s Note
The five grape varieties in this blend were harvested at optimal ripeness (23.5°–25° Balling) and vinified separately. Each fermented on the skins for 7–12 days at 25°–27°C in closed stainless-steel tanks, with regular pump-overs. After malolactic fermentation, the wines matured for 14–18 months in a mix of first-, second-, and third-fill barriques — 90% French and 10% American oak — before blending to perfection.
Food Pairing
Beautiful on its own or paired with grilled beef, Italian cuisine or matured cheese such as Cheddar and Edam.
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