Notes - Alto is situated on the slopes of the Helderberg Mountain in the Stellenbosch Wine of Origin district. Its trellised vineyards cling to the high granite slopes that rise from a 100 to 500 metres above sea level, which are ideal for the cultivation of red grape varietals. Unsurprisingly, Alto is, and has always been, red wine country. The wine is made from vineyards planted in deep, red, decomposed granite and clay soils on a north-westerly slope, situated 200m to 400m above seal level. The 7 to 25 year old vines are grown under dryland conditions and are trellised on a five-wire hedge system. They yielded three tons per hectare. The grapes were harvested by hand at the end of March at between 26C to 27C Balling. After destalking and crushing the juice was fermented for seven days on the skins in stainless steel tanks at 25C to 27C. After malolactic fermentation the wine was aged in wood for 18 months, using a combination of French (40%) and American (60%) first, second and third-fill barrels. Alto Estate Shiraz has an intense ruby red colour. There are delicate spices with raspberry on the nose supported by smoky undertones. A full-bodied wine with delicate spices, vanilla flavours and a round, creamy finish. Try with Barbeques or any game dishes.