The art of wine blending

2024 is an exciting and momentous year for Alto Wine Estate as we celebrate a century of heritage, tradition and legacy with the release of our 100^th vintage of Alto Rouge in September 2024.

Our Alto Rouge is one of the most iconic and well-known red blends in South Africa. Since it was first produced in 1922, it has always been a blend of red grape varieties. Today, our Rouge is made up of majority Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Shiraz with small amounts of Merlot & Petit Verdot. The blend varies with each vintage, depending on what nature gives us.

Blending such an iconic wine is a true honour and with Bertho’s pristine craftmanship, the 2022 blend is showing beautifully. We asked Bertho a few questions about the blending of our 100^th vintage, harvest conditions and where he draws inspiration from as we anticipate the release of this icon.

1. What do you look for when blending such an iconic wine?

The 3 main varieties used are Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Shiraz. The Cabernet Sauvignon gives structure and forms the backbone of the blend.  Cabernet franc on the Helderberg is known to deliver great quality, this component brings elegance and length to the final blend. The Shiraz lifts the fruit on the nose and palate, and also adds drinkability. The Merlot and Petite Verdot makes up a small percentage of the blend, I like it call it the “salt & pepper” component.

The secret to this iconic blend is in the terroir, the Helderberg truly has phenomenal terroir where our grapes thrive! It is very special place.

2. What is your blending process?

Majority of the components are matured separately in French oak barrels. All of the batches are taken out of barrel after 14 to 16 months of aging. I then play around with different percentages until I get to the perfect blend.

3. How does this blend differ from previous years?

The Helderberg and its terroir is what makes this wine great. Every vintage upholds the high quality and standards of Alto. The Rouge 2022 is unique because it celebrates 100 years of heritage and winemaking on Alto but it is still grown on the same terroir which ensures there is a thread of similarity to previous years.

4. Tell us a bit about the vineyards that produce this iconic wine?

Vineyards are situated between 100 and 500m above sea level, soils vary from decomposed granite to Table Mountain sandstone.

2022 was a very good vintage with excellent growing conditions. We had a slow ripening period just before harvest that ensured great fruit devolvement and ripe but elegant tannins with a balanced acidity.

5. How has your dad helped inspire you when blending the Rouge 2022? Where else do you draw inspiration from?

My dad focused alot on what the terroir gives you. I have used this philosophy when making Alto Wines as well, in the cellar I like to guide the wine with minimal intervention during the winemaking process.

What inspires me the most is the terroir and making sure the Helderberg is showcased through the wine.

6. Lastly, what does it mean to you to be able to produce a wine that has truly stood the test of time?

It is great to be involved and to be able to be a custodian of such an iconic wine. Hopefully many years from now, the Alto Rouge will still have a special place in every home in beautiful South Africa and aboard.

 We are excited for the release of this iconic 100th vintage of Alto Rouge in September 2024.