2023 Testalonga Baby Bandito Keep on Punching

WINEMAKER: Craig & Carla Hawkins
REGION: Swartland, SA
VARIETY: 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. As Jancis Robinson says; "‘Layer Jura with Savennières with uber-dry Mosel"

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.