Alto Rouge 2023
Blend : Red
Description
Alto Wine Estate has been crafting distinctive red wines on the steep northern slopes of the Helderberg for over a century, marrying heritage viticulture with a modern eye for precision. Alto Rouge is the estate’s signature red blend, rooted in the distinctive Stellenbosch terroir of well-drained Hutton and Glenrosa soils, where cool afternoon breezes temper ripening and encourage firm structure and lifted fruit. Historically shaped by generations of winemakers, Alto’s philosophy emphasises expression of site and varietal harmony, producing wines with clarity of fruit framed by savoury complexity rather than overt oak influence.
Colour:
Luminous, deep ruby with subtle garnet hues around the edge.
Nose:
Fragrant aromatics of black plum and sour cherry open first, with savoury undertones of smoked charcuterie, pine needle and graphite.
Palate:
Polished and supple on the palate, the blend’s ripe dark fruit - crushed blackberry, dark cherries, purple fig and plum - is supported by smooth, integrated tannins and a chalky structural edge. Balanced acidity provides freshness, while gentle layering of savoury notes enriches the mid-palate.
Finish:
The finish is firm yet lingering, with fruit and savoury spice tapering into a focused close.
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Alto Rouge 2023
- Food Pairing : Alto Rouge 2023 pairs beautifully with hearty and savoury dishes that mirror its structure and depth. Serve it alongside a char-grilled ribeye or a herb-crusted lamb rack; the wine’s firm tannins and bright fruit cut through richness while complementing smoky notes from the grill. It also stands up to tomato-based stews or slow-braised beef in red wine sauce, where robust flavours and umami texture echo the wine’s savoury profile. For a classic contrast, aged cheddar or a platter of rustic charcuterie will accentuate Alto Rouge’s complex dark fruit and herbal undercurrent.
- Drink before: Cellaring potential: 8–12 years from vintage (structured enough for medium-term ageing).
- Vintage: 2023
- Manufacturer: Alto Rouge
- Region: Stellenbosch
- Star Rating: Wine-of-the-Month Club’s Panel Rating: 4 Stars
- Medals Won: Gold Medal: Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards 2025. 92 points & Best Buy: Winemag.co.za. 91 points: Decanter. 91 points: International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC). 91 points: James Suckling. 90 points: Tim Atkin MW (South Africa Special Report 2025). Silver Medal: Vino Veritas Awards 2025. 4 Stars: Platter's South African Wine Guide.
- Grapes used to make this wine were grown in: Well-drained Hutton and Glenrosa soils.
- Sugar Content: 2.3g/L
- Alcohol Content: 14%
Stock and Delivery:
In Stock: Standard delivery within 5 days
Stock at supplier: Delivery within 10 - 15 days
R99 Nationwide
Free Delivery: On orders over R2 000
Our Guarantee:
We guarantee a full credit on the cost of the wine, no questions asked, and we will also collect the remainder of any pack and refund you in full if you are unhappy with the quality, the service or any aspect of Wine-of-the-Month Club.
Replacements:
In the unlikely event that there is a broken bottle in your case, please tell us immediately and we will credit your account. We reserve the right to substitute product if stock runs out, to the same or higher value of the stock.
Please note:
These figures are subject to change.