

Alto Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 3L
A special release 3L bottle of this phenomenal 2017 vintage. The impressive Alto Cabernet Sauvignon blends Old World elegance with the full-bodied, fruit-driven character typical of wines from the Golden Triangle – the heart of Stellenbosch’s reputation for producing South Africa’s defining Cabernet Sauvignons.
Vinification
The grapes were harvested by hand at the end of March at 24º to 26º Balling. After destalking and crushing, the mash was fermented in stainless steel tanks at 25º to 27ºC, using selected yeast cultures. The juice was separated from the skins after 14 days. After malolactic fermentation, the wine was racked into first-, second- and third-fill French oak barrels and matured for 18 months.
Viticulture
This wine is made from grapes of north-facing vines, between 11 and 17 years old, that grow in decomposed granite and clay subsoils situated at altitudes of 135m to 500m above sea level. The vines on the higher slopes are fanned by the cooling maritime breezes from nearby False Bay. A seven wire Perold trellising system is used, which yielded an average of 8 tons per hectare.