Altoona Hills Cabernet Merlot

Altoona Hills Cabernet Merlot is a kosher Australian red wine blending Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot at 13.5% ABV in a 750ml bottle. Produced by Andrew Peace Wines, this mevushal-certified expression stands out in the budget-friendly Australian wine category as one of the more accessible kosher reds available from South Eastern Australia.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: South Eastern Australia  |  Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot  |  Producer: Andrew Peace Wines  |  Kosher for Passover, Mevushal

Production & Heritage

Andrew Peace Wines, based in the Swan Hill region of Victoria, Australia, produces the Altoona Hills line as a range of approximately 12 different wines aimed at the value-driven segment of the market. This Cabernet Merlot blend draws fruit from vineyards across South Eastern Australia, combining the structural tannins of Cabernet Sauvignon with the softer, rounder character of Merlot. All wines in the Altoona Hills range carry kosher certification, including mevushal status — meaning the wine has been flash-pasteurized, making it suitable for handling in kosher observance without restrictions.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Fresh mint and raspberry greet the nose first, followed by deeper layers of blackcurrant and ripe plum. Subtle hints of oak emerge as the wine opens up in the glass.

Taste: The palate is fruit-driven and immediately approachable, with blackberry and plum dominating the entry. Mid-palate, licorice and dark berry flavors build into a silky, medium-bodied texture. The Merlot component rounds out the Cabernet's structure, creating a balanced, berry-forward profile.

Finish: The finish is moderate in length with lingering dark fruit and a soft, clean fade. There is minimal tannic grip, keeping the overall impression smooth and easy-drinking.

How to Drink Altoona Hills Cabernet Merlot

This blend drinks well at a light cellar temperature, around 16–18°C (60–64°F), and needs no decanting. It works equally well poured casually as it does alongside a meal. A classic Kalimotxo (red wine and cola) turns this into a refreshing warm-weather drink given its fruit-forward base. A Red Wine Sangria benefits from the plum and berry character, which holds up well against citrus and stone fruit additions. A simple Red Wine Spritzer with sparkling water and a squeeze of orange keeps the berry notes lively for lighter occasions.

Best For

• Kosher Passover dinners requiring a mevushal-certified red wine
• Weeknight meals where an easy-drinking, fruit-forward red is ideal
• Introducing red wine blends to newer wine drinkers
• Casual gatherings and barbecues where approachability matters more than complexity

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Altoona Hills Cabernet Merlot taste like? It is a fruit-driven red wine dominated by plum, blackberry, and raspberry flavors with touches of mint, licorice, and soft oak. The overall profile is smooth, medium-bodied, and designed for easy drinking.

How does Altoona Hills Cabernet Merlot compare to Yellow Tail Cabernet Merlot? Both occupy the budget-friendly Australian red wine segment and share a fruit-forward, approachable style. The key distinction is that Altoona Hills carries kosher and mevushal certification, making it suitable for kosher observance — a category Yellow Tail does not address.

Is Altoona Hills Cabernet Merlot good for beginners? Yes — its soft tannins, prominent berry fruit, and smooth texture make it a very approachable introduction to Cabernet and Merlot blends without the astringency that can challenge new red wine drinkers.

Where is Altoona Hills Cabernet Merlot made? It is produced by Andrew Peace Wines, a family-run winery located in the Swan Hill region of Victoria, Australia, using fruit sourced from South Eastern Australia.

What foods pair well with Altoona Hills Cabernet Merlot? Grilled lamb chops complement the wine's berry and mint notes. Beef brisket works well with its plummy fruit and soft tannins. Mild cheddar or Gouda highlight the smooth mouthfeel. Mushroom risotto echoes the earthy undertones. Dark chocolate with a high cocoa content pairs with the blackberry and licorice character.

What sizes does Altoona Hills Cabernet Merlot come in? The standard bottle size is 750ml, which is the most widely available format for this wine.

Is Altoona Hills Cabernet Merlot worth the price? It positions firmly as a budget-tier Australian red, and within that segment it delivers solid fruit character and smooth drinkability — with the added value of kosher and mevushal certification, which narrows the competitive field considerably at this price point.

Why Altoona Hills Cabernet Merlot?

The strongest case for this wine is its mevushal kosher certification from a reputable Australian producer at an accessible price point — a combination that is genuinely uncommon. Andrew Peace Wines has built the Altoona Hills range specifically to deliver consistent, fruit-forward drinking without pretension, and the Cabernet Merlot blend exemplifies that philosophy. For kosher-observant households seeking a reliable everyday red, the options at this price tier are limited, and this bottling fills that gap with a clean, berry-driven profile that holds up across casual meals and holiday tables alike. It is not a wine built for cellaring or critical analysis — it is built to be opened and enjoyed.