South African icon wine estate Alto, situated on the slopes of Stellenbosch’s Helderberg, celebrates an extraordinary milestone in 2024 with the release of the 100th consecutive vintage of its renowned red blend Alto Rouge. One of the Cape’s most famous wines, it was first crafted in 1922 and, after a suitable period of maturation, exported to the United Kingdom in 1924. The success of Alto Rouge on the British market led to the wine being released in South Africa for the first time in 1933 and it has been a South African classic ever since – the country’s oldest premium red wine brand.
The estate once formed part of the farm Groenrivier, which was granted for farming in 1693. Vineyards were planted at the outset, but the path to vinous greatness only began in 1919 after proprietor Hennie Malan sold the lower half of the property to his brother-in-law, named the top half Alto and set about wine-farming earnestly with his son Manie – the name of the estate chosen for its elevation and magnificent view over the lower reaches of Stellenbosch and across to Table Mountain.
The cellar was built in 1920 and the focus in the vineyards was on red wine grape varieties, with plantings including Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Cinsaut, Gamay Noir and Pinot Noir – the choice influenced by the famous viticulturist Abraham Izak Perold, who advised and assisted the Malans.
Manie Malan was one of the first graduates in Viticulture and Oenology from Stellenbosch University, becoming known over the years as a particularly astute winemaker. It was his understanding of both the Alto terroir and the needs of the wine market that led to the vision of producing the red blend Alto Rouge.
At the beginning of the 20th century, Cabernet Sauvignon, with its power and tannins, had already proven to be a variety particularly suited to the Stellenbosch district. Malan understood the plush nature of Shiraz and Cinsaut, blending these with the Cabernet to create a wine that was accessible and easy-drinking within two years from harvest.
Over the years and under the stewardship of cellarmasters Manie Malan (1919 to 1959), Piet du Toit (1959 to 1983), Hempies du Toit (1979 to 2001), Schalk van der Westhuizen (2001 to 2015) and Bertho van der Westhuizen (2015 to 2024), the Alto Rouge blend has been adapted in the ongoing quest to improve the quality following developments in viticulture practices and the availability of different clones. Today, the primary components in Alto Rouge are Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Cabernet Franc, with Petit Verdot and Merlot incorporated to add complexity and depth.
What will never change is Alto Rouge’s status as an integral part of the Cape’s winemaking history and standing the test of time in remaining as popular as it is for as long as it has. With the release of the 2022 vintage two years after harvest, Alto honours the vision of the Malans and the estate’s other pioneers in creating this South African icon.
• Article sponsored by Alto
One Response
Such an interesting article, thanks Mike. You just can’t go wrong with an Alto Rouge, one of my longstanding favourites.