2021 Testalonga Baby Bandito Keep on Punching

WINEMAKER: Craig & Carla Hawkins
REGION: Swartland, SA
VARIETAL: Chenin Blanc
VITICULTURE: Organic/Biodynamic

100% Chenin Blanc (dry) from a 1961 Piketberg block on sandstone. Fermented and matured in a combination of foudre and stainless-steel tank. A very primary and engaging nose of white peach, apple and a hint of dried herbs. The palate has lovely fruit purity, bright acidity and a saline finish. Immensely enjoyable to drink, superbly crisp and vibrant.

During the apartheid, the South African wine industry was completely dominated by one organization, which controlled everything from production to price. Modern day renegades, Craig & Carla Hawkins, established Testalonga in 2008 and shook the industry to its core. Settling in Swartland, they started with two barrels of macerated chenin - the first 'orange' wine made in South Africa. The deeply conservative authorities often rejected their wines for export for not exhibiting 'typicity' of South African wine.