Altoona Hills Cabernet Shiraz

Altoona Hills Cabernet Shiraz is a full-bodied, kosher-certified Australian red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz bottled at 13.5% ABV in a 750ml format. Sourced from South Eastern Australia's premier vineyards, this extra-dry wine showcases the classic Cab-Shiraz partnership that has defined Australian winemaking since the 1800s.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: South Eastern Australia  |  Style: Full-Bodied & Smooth  |  Producer: Royal Wines  |  Kosher Certified

Production & Heritage

Altoona Hills is produced by Royal Wines, one of the world's leading producers and importers of kosher wine. The Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz grapes are selected from vineyards across South Eastern Australia, a broad appellation spanning several of the country's most productive growing zones. The finished wine registers at just 4 g/L residual sugar — classified as extra dry — resulting in a firmly structured, fruit-forward red that stays true to the Australian tradition of bold Cabernet-Shiraz blending.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Dark berries lead the nose, followed by concentrated cassis and ripe plum. Subtle notes of new leather and toasty oak round out the bouquet.

Taste: The entry is rich and fruit-driven, delivering a mouthful of blackberry and plum. Mid-palate, spice and oak emerge, adding complexity and structure. The wine carries good body and weight throughout, staying dry and focused.

Finish: Medium in length with lingering blackberry, leather, and a gentle dusting of warm spice. The tannins are resolved and smooth, leaving a clean, dry close.

How to Drink Altoona Hills

This Cab-Shiraz blend drinks well at cellar temperature (60–65°F) with no decanting required, though 20 minutes of air can open up additional depth. Its full body and dry profile also make it versatile in red-wine cocktails. A Kalimotxo benefits from the wine's concentrated berry fruit against cola's sweetness. A New York Sour gains structure from the blend's weight and tannic backbone. A simple Red Wine Spritzer works for warm-weather drinking, where the cassis and plum notes stay present even over ice and soda.

Best For

• Hosting a kosher-observant dinner party with red meat on the menu
• Everyday weeknight drinking when you want a reliable, full-bodied Australian red
• Introducing someone to the classic Australian Cabernet-Shiraz style
• Stocking a kosher wine selection with crowd-pleasing reds

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Altoona Hills taste like? Altoona Hills Cabernet Shiraz delivers concentrated blackberry, plum, and cassis flavors with accents of leather, toasty oak, and warm spice. It is full-bodied and dry with a smooth, fruit-driven character.

How does Altoona Hills compare to Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz Cabernet? Both are South Eastern Australian Cab-Shiraz blends positioned at an accessible price tier, though Penfolds Koonunga Hill is non-kosher and typically emphasizes a slightly more oak-driven profile. Altoona Hills leans more overtly fruit-forward and carries kosher certification, which distinguishes it within the category.

Is Altoona Hills good for everyday sipping? Yes — its approachable fruit-forward style, smooth tannins, and moderate 13.5% ABV make it a straightforward everyday red that does not demand food or extended contemplation.

Where is Altoona Hills made? Altoona Hills is produced in Australia under the South Eastern Australia geographical indication, a broad zone covering vineyards in New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia. It is produced by Royal Wines.

What foods pair well with Altoona Hills? Grilled lamb chops match the wine's spice and dark fruit; beef brisket mirrors its richness and body; aged cheddar echoes the toasty oak notes; eggplant Parmesan provides a vegetarian option that complements the plum and berry core; and dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher) pairs well with the cassis finish.

What sizes does Altoona Hills come in? Altoona Hills Cabernet Shiraz is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle format.

Is Altoona Hills worth the price? Altoona Hills positions as an entry-level Australian red blend, delivering solid concentration and genuine varietal character at a budget-friendly tier — strong value for a kosher-certified wine with this level of body and fruit intensity.

Why Altoona Hills?

Kosher-certified wines at this price tier rarely deliver the kind of concentrated, full-bodied fruit that Altoona Hills manages from its South Eastern Australian sourcing. The Cabernet-Shiraz blend is among the most proven partnerships in Australian winemaking, and this bottling executes the template honestly — dark berry fruit, dry structure, smooth tannins, and enough oak to frame the wine without dominating it. For kosher-observant households or anyone seeking a dependable, fruit-driven Australian red, Altoona Hills fills the role without compromise. Its extra-dry profile and 13.5% ABV keep it balanced and food-friendly across a wide range of dishes.