Alto Rouge | Helderberg, South Africa
Varietal/Blend: 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Shiraz, 12% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot
Tasting Notes: Notes of succulent plum, crushed blackberry and dry fig are at the fore, while the complexity of classic grape cultivars allow for intricate flavours of pine-needle and graphite to join the fruit in an interwoven whole. Tannins are plush and beguiling, yet muscular and firm, ensuring life-affirming freshness in structure.
Body: Full
Food Pairings: Equally delightful on its own or with roast chicken, pork belly, and grilled beef. Pairs wonderfully with matured cheeses such as Cheddar and Edam, and complements creamy pasta dishes like wild mushroom risotto or alfredo.
Winemaker Notes: Handpicked from trellised vineyards growing in Hutton and Glenrosa soils on the Helderberg Mountain slopes (100m to 500m above sea level), each varietal is vinified separately and aged for 18 months in a combination of French (90%) and American (10%) oak barrels. The exceptional terroir and careful maturation continue the legacy of this renowned South African classic, promising excellent development over the next 5-8 years.