WINE, FOOD, AND EVERYTHING THAT'S GOOD!

I was fortunate enough to have attended a very special event hosted by one of Stellenbosch’s most iconic, and long lasting estates, Alto.

The celebration was centered around the release of their 2022 vintage of the Alto Rouge (consisting of 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Shiraz, 12% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petite Verdot), marking their 100th vintage of this renowned South African red blend.

This was the first time I’ve revisited the farm since renovations and I’ve got to say that the facility is looking incredible!

Guests were welcomed with bubbly and canapés, after which we moved into the cellar for a seriously impressive vertical tasting of the Rouge (2017, ‘19, ‘20, ‘21 and ‘22 vintages).

The setting was moody, and comfortable, with lighting so soft and inviting, making it feel like it was just you and the wine. It was the perfect arrangement, allowing people to indulge in the taste of heritage.

Industry leaders such as Neil Ellis and Bennie Howard said a few words in celebration of such a milestone, sharing stories, and their passion for the industry.

Once formalities concluded, winemaker Bertho van der Westhuizen spoke us through the wines placed in front of us. After tasting through all five wines, two things were evident. Consistency and quality. Not surprising when there have only been five winemakers at the helm over their 100+ year history, which in its own right is remarkable!

To be honest, in the past I didn’t see the Rouge as a wine which would develop positively over time. This is because I was under the impression that the Rouge was an “everyday drinking wine”, a wine with minimal production going into it so that it was easily accessible to all. But, after tasting the 2017 vintage, my ridiculous opinion was changed!

The wine (2017) showed hardly any age in its colour, bouquet and taste. It was a stunner.

The wine is deep ruby in its colour. Pronounced on the nose with black cherry, blueberry, blackcurrant, ripe red apple, cinnamon and a hint of fynbos. The wine is dry, has high acid, well-integrated medium (+) tannins which are finely grained, and a high alcohol, giving way to a medium (+) body. The flavour intensity was pronounced, and the wine showcased a medium (+) finish. I was absolutely taken back by quality of the wine.

Throughout the drinking of all the wines, there was a clear identity – even though the blend varies from vintage to vintage. Bertho says it’s all about the wine, and his job is to showcase the specific vintage conditions while emphasising the intricacies of the three crucial blending varieties, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Cabernet Franc (the Pride of the Helderberg). He says that their unique terroir allows for the Alto DNA to show throughout all the wines produced on the estate.

When speaking about quality and consistency, especially when volumes are on the higher end of things, many tend to mention the likes of R&R Classique, the Optima, Kadette etc, but where they should be looking, is at the Alto Rouge. I absolutely cannot believe you can find this wine on shelf for R130?! Unbelievable.

The drinkability of the Rouge is pure, elegant, well structured and powerful, all at the same time. A wine proud of its heritage.

After the tasting we were treated to lunch – all that tasting created quite the appetite! We enjoyed breads, Braised Springbok Shank (which paired up ridiculously well with the Rouge 2015 – served from magnum), followed by Milk Tart with Rooibos ice-cream.

During the lunch we also had the privilege of being amongst the first to try their Centenary Blend, a super exclusive offering which pays homage to the first ever Rouge blend, blended in 1922, consisting of predominantly Cinsault, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. A fragrant, expressive, terroir driven wine which, like Neil Ellis simply put it, “Is a wine which reminds us that Alto is a real place, with real people, with real vineyards, with real history”.

Thank you to everyone at Alto for their extraordinary hospitality. It was a sincerely special afternoon out in the beautiful Cape Winelands.

Purchase the Rouge here.