Alto Estate Red Blend 2022

In Short

A full-bodied Bordeaux blend from South Africa with dark berries, plum, and a mineral edge that ages gracefully.

Quick Facts

• Region: Stellenbosch, South Africa
• Variety: Bordeaux Blend
• Style: Full-bodied red
• Best For: Cellar, special occasions

Why We Stock It

Alto Estate makes a serious Bordeaux blend that sits comfortably at this price point, with the structure and depth to age over the next several years. South African blends of this caliber deserve more attention than they often get, and this one has the refinement to appeal to anyone already drinking fine Bordeaux.

Tasting Profile

An elegant wine with real structure and mineral backbone.

• Aroma: Dark berries, plum, tobacco, graphite, subtle oak
• Palate: Blackcurrant, cassis, cedar, hints of minerality
• Structure & Finish: Refined tannins, long finish with lingering dark fruit and spice

Winemaking

The wine is made from Bordeaux varieties blended and aged to balance fruit with structure. Specifics on fermentation vessel and oak regime are not reliably known for this bottling.

Serving & Pairing

Serve at 64 to 66 degrees Fahrenheit. Decant for 30 to 45 minutes to open the aromatics. Try it with grilled lamb chops or a simple beef stew; it will also cellar well with duck confit or aged Comté cheese if you prefer to wait a few years.

The Estate

Alto Estate is a producer in Stellenbosch focused on making refined Bordeaux blends. The estate works with established vineyard practices typical of the region's serious winemakers.

Terroir

Stellenbosch lies in the Western Cape and is the most established fine-wine region in South Africa, with cool maritime influence from the Atlantic Ocean. The soils here are well-drained and complex, allowing Bordeaux varieties to ripen fully while retaining acidity and mineral texture. These conditions produce wines with both ripe fruit and structure.