Alto Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

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. A 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the CS 46 clone, grafted onto R110 rootstock and planted in deep, red, decomposed granite soil with a clay subsoil. The vineyard blocks are situated at 135 - 475 metres above sea level, facing north. They are between 8 and 19 years old. After malolactic fermentation, the wine was racked into first-, second- and third-fill French-oak barriques where it spent the next 18 months maturing. As with all the Alto wines, this Cabernet Sauvignon was first bottle-matured (20 months in this case) before it has been released. All Alto wines are known for their longevity. Although this wine is easily enjoyed at this stage, the fruit backed by the excellent support will carry it for another 8 to 10 years of cellaring. Dark ruby in colour with a slightly paler rim. Ripe cherries, cigar box, and a hint of mint on the nose. The cherry hints lead onto the palate with Oak and vanilla on the mid-palate. A big, luscious Alto, that is quite a mouthful. It finished long and lingers on. Alto enthusiasts will love this vintage. It can be enjoyed with or without food. Serve at 18 degrees Celsius with uncluttered dishes such as fine roast lamb or beef, best quality steak or Chateaubriand. Also partner with herb-crusted roasts, stuffed poultry and thin slices of well-matured, air-dried cheeses like a real Parmigiano.
 
     

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