We are excited to reintroduce the much-anticipated Alto Cape Vintage 2024, available exclusively online or from the Klein Alto Tasting Room for R395 per bottle.
The Alto Cape Vintage was previously known as our Fine Old Vintage and was last produced in 2012. Now, more than a decade later, it returns with a fresh new look and a beautifully crafted expression of our Shiraz, created by winemaker Bertho van der Westhuizen.
Crafting the Cape Vintage
The journey begins on the slopes of the Helderberg, where our Shiraz grapes were harvested from north-facing vineyards approximately 250m above sea level in late March 2024. The fruit arrived at the cellar beautifully ripe, showing all the promise of an exceptional vintage.
After destemming and fermentation, the grapes were lightly pressed before being fortified with brandy spirit. The wine was then transferred to 300-litre old French oak barrels, where it matured for 14 months before being bottled in elegant 500ml bottles. Only 2400 bottles are available.
For Bertho, bringing the Cape Vintage back to the Alto portfolio is an opportunity to reconnect with an important part of the estate’s history while creating something distinctly relevant for today.
“There is something special about recreating an Alto wine after all this time. It connects us with Alto’s history while giving us the opportunity to create something new. It has been 14 years since we last released this style, so it was important to us to honour what came before while allowing the 2024 vintage to express itself in its own way.”
Bertho van der Westhuizen, Alto Winemaker
Now pouring
Inside the bottle, the Alto Cape Vintage 2024 reveals a deep magenta colour and expressive aromatics reminiscent of a classic Negroni, with blood orange, hibiscus tea and warm baking spice. The mature brandy fortification enhances the natural character of the Shiraz, bringing forward notes of white pepper, savoury spice, rich plum and date.
The palate is beautifully layered, with seamless tannins weaving through spice and subtle umami tones, revealing hints of molasses. A gentle trace of cedar from the old French oak adds further complexity, while the wine finishes long with spiced citrus.
Traditionally, this style of wine is enjoyed at the end of a meal with a good cigar, but it also pairs beautifully alongside a cheese platter and pairs particularly well with aged cheddar, blue cheese and Manchego. It is also a great accompaniment to roast duck with an orange glaze or a decadent chocolate dessert.
The Alto Cape Vintage 2024 is exclusively available from our online shop and at the Klein Alto Tasting Room.
Click HERE to shop the wine.