Vineyard
The original Altydgedacht Tintoretto (50% Barbera / 50% Shiraz, vintage 1981) was launched in 1982, as an attempt to introduce Barbera to the South African palate. In the early 1980's, Barbera was virtually unknown in South Africa, with only a single hectare of Barbera planted in the entire country, and that being on Altydgedacht! In 1992, Altydgedacht became the pioneering producer of a cultivar Barbera wine in South Africa, and as a result the 1992 Tintoretto (Barbera/Shiraz) seemingly spelled the end of the line for the blend.

Ever since joining Altydgedacht in 2006, winemaker Etienne Louw sought an avenue to revive the Tintoretto brand. Since Altydgedacht produced two ABSA Top 10 Pinotages in both 2008 and 2009, it was decided to combine the estate's two leading red varieties (Pinotage and Barbera) in a flagship Cape Blend. A dash of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz was added for depth and complexity, and so the 2009 Altydgedacht Tintoretto was born.

Vinification
All four varieties were vinified separately and blended in the following proportion: 45% Pinotage, 33% Barbera, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Shiraz. The blend was matured for 18 months in 60% new barrels, with the balance being 2nd fill.

Tasting notes
As the label exclaims: "Tintoretto is where 1 South African, 1 Italian and 2 French varieties combine to create a truly unique taste experience". Pinotage lays the red fruit foundation, with Barbera adding spice and dark fruits. Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon brings structure to the blend and the wine is rounded off by judicious oaking. A serious wine with a balanced tanning structure and good aging potential. Only 225 cases were produced.

Analysis
Alcohol: 14.44 %
Residual sugar: 2.5 g/l
Total acidity: 6.1 g/l
pH: 3.65
Total SO2: 112 mg/l