Summary: Alto Estate has brought back its Cape Vintage with the Alto Cape Vintage 2024, a fortified Shiraz available exclusively online or at the Klein Alto Tasting Room on the Helderberg, Stellenbosch wine route. Priced at R395 per 500ml bottle, the limited release offers layered Shiraz flavours, with only 2,400 bottles available.
After a 14-year wait, the Alto Cape Vintage is back.
Previously known as Fine Old Vintage and last produced in 2012, the fortified Shiraz returns as the Alto Cape Vintage 2024, bringing a new look and a fresh expression of the estate’s Shiraz.
Created by Alto winemaker Bertho van der Westhuizen, the wine connects the estate’s history with the 2024 vintage.
It is made from Shiraz grapes harvested from north-facing vineyards on the slopes of the Helderberg, approximately 250 metres above sea level, in late March 2024. After destemming and fermentation, the grapes were lightly pressed before being fortified with brandy spirit. The wine then spent 14 months maturing in 300-litre old French oak barrels before being bottled in elegant 500ml bottles.
Only 2,400 bottles have been produced, making this a decidedly limited release for fans of Alto and fortified wines.
What does the Alto Cape Vintage 2024 taste like?
The Alto Cape Vintage 2024 pours a deep magenta and opens with aromatics reminiscent of a classic Negroni, with notes of blood orange, hibiscus tea and warm baking spice. The palate brings together white pepper, savoury spice, rich plum and date, followed by a layered texture with seamless tannins, spice, subtle umami and molasses. Gentle cedar adds another layer before the wine finishes long with spiced citrus.
It is a wine with plenty to explore, making it particularly suited to the end of a meal. Alto suggests pairing it with a good cigar, a cheese platter featuring aged cheddar, blue cheese and Manchego, roast duck with orange glaze, or a decadent chocolate dessert.
The wine is priced at R395 per 500ml bottle. With only 2,400 bottles available, the release is intentionally limited. The Alto Cape Vintage 2024 is available exclusively from the Alto Estate online shop and at the Klein Alto Tasting Room. Alto Estate is situated on the Helderberg, on the Stellenbosch wine route.
Quick details
- Wine: Alto Cape Vintage 2024
- Style: Fortified Shiraz
- Producer: Alto Estate
- Tasting room: Klein Alto Tasting Room
- Location: Helderberg, Stellenbosch wine route
- Price: R395 per 500ml bottle
- Availability: Online and at the Klein Alto Tasting Room
- Production: 2,400 bottles
- Vintage: 2024
- Vineyards: North-facing Helderberg vineyards, approximately 250m above sea level
- Maturation: 14 months in 300-litre old French oak barrels
- Suggested pairings: Aged cheddar, blue cheese, Manchego, roast duck with orange glaze, decadent chocolate dessert and a good cigar
FAQs
What is the Alto Cape Vintage 2024?
It is a fortified Shiraz from Alto Estate, created by winemaker Bertho van der Westhuizen.
How much does Alto Cape Vintage 2024 cost?
It costs R395 per 500ml bottle.
Where is Alto Cape Vintage 2024 available?
It is available exclusively online and at the Klein Alto Tasting Room.
How many bottles were produced?
Only 2,400 bottles of the 2024 release are available.
When was Alto’s previous vintage produced?
The style was previously known as Fine Old Vintage, with the last release produced in 2012.
What food pairs with Alto Cape Vintage 2024?
Suggested pairings include aged cheddar, blue cheese, Manchego, roast duck with orange glaze and decadent chocolate dessert.
