Last week I attended a very special celebration at Stonecrest Manor here in Johannesburg. It was a celebration marking Alto Wine Estate’s #100YearsOfWineMaking. That is 100 years of producing some of the country’s finest red wines and red wine blends. Alto has a special place in the hearts of wine lovers, like myself. It is enjoyed by many whether it be at a fine dining restaurant or at home with friends.
In #100YearsOfWineMaking, there has been a total of 5 winemakers at Alto Wine Estate in Stellenbosch including Bertho van der Westhuizen, who is the current winemaker. The celebrations were hosted by Bertho himself and it was an afternoon of total and utter indulgence.
Bertho presented a range of Alto wines which were accompanied by a 3 course lunch. Some of the wines included Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé, various vintages of the timeless favourite Alto Rouge, as well as Cabernet Sauvignons and Shirazes.
Restaurateur and creative genius of the renowned Hemelhuijs Restaurant in Cape Town, Jacques Erasmus prepared a 3 course lunch for us. The food simple but superb French style country.
THE FOOD AND WINE
Our feast began with homemade bread served with vine leaf butter and a bowl of pot au feu de veau consommé. This is a clear soup made from a classic French beef stew. We accompanied this by tasting two vintages of Alto’s long time ambassador, the Alto Rouge 2016 and 2017.
The main course was a classic pot au feu de veau, which is a classic French beef stew. This was served with an autumn mesclun salad and a bowl of carrots, mushrooms, green beans and turnips. And accompanying this was a herb remoulade, tomato and mustard cream and dill pickles. While eating, we sipped on another two wines: the Alto Cabernet Sauvignon 2015/2016 and the Alto Shiraz 2016/2017.
Dessert was an almond macaroon and buttercream terrine with autumn berries. As well as a fine cheese course of brie cheese, watermelon konfyt and almond biscuit. The final wines we sipped on was Alto’s MPHS 2014 and Alto’s Signature Red Blend 2016.
It was a wonderful occasion celebrating the proud heritage of a Stellenbosch champion and all the people who have made it so.
Thank you Alto Wines – here is to another 100 years! Cheers!
If you would like to order Alto Wine online, visit: https://www.vinoteque.co.za/collections/alto
Alto Wine Estate: Annandale Road, off the R44 towards Somerset West, Stellenbosch – 021 881 3884
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