Only four winemakers have made wine at Alto estate in eight decades. They gathered together at the landmark cellar on the slopes of the Helderberg in late 2010 to celebrate the release of a very special wine – Alto M.P.H.S 2007 – named after the initials of winemakers Manie Malan, Piet du Toit, Hempies du Toit and Schalk van der Westhuizen. The event marked a milestone in the long, proud history of Alto.

The winemakers of Alto have as much staying power as the legendary wines of this specialist red cellar. The making of this new exclusive flagship marks the first decade at Alto for Schalk van der Westhuizen who made only six barrels (or 2200 bottles) of Alto M.P.H.S 2007. Inspired by the quality of two signature varieties grown on the farm – Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon – he set out to make a red blend from the best, older vineyard blocks to showcase the extraordinary terroir and heritage of Alto.

Van der Westhuizen, a legendary winemaker, comments, ‘Normally, these grapes would find their way into our Alto Rouge blend or Cabernet Sauvignon wines. Now we’ve given these gems a voice of their own in our new blend – a wine which represents the very best of Alto.

Not to sale for persons under the age of 18.

January/February 2011 Issue

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