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Testalonga

2023

‘Keep on Punching’

Chenin Blanc   |   Swartland - South Africa
Shelf Talker Spec Sheet Wine Label Bottle Image

About

This wine is part of a line that Craig and Carla started in 2015. They wanted to work with vineyards that deliver wines that can be drunk young yet still “over deliver” in quality. There was a heavy influence from street artists in the labels. “We’re old school but I can’t handle boring labels,” says Craig. The photo on the label was taken by Craig’s brother in Cambodia, and for Craig, it depicts the idea of hope and optimism, and how we should never lose our childlike ambition. The fruit was sourced from a bush vine vineyard planted in 1961 on sandstone soils in the foothills of the Piketberg Mountain. This is their oldest block of Chenin vines on soils that lie adjacent to a river, providing enough water throughout the growing season.

The grapes were hand harvested and whole bunch pressed before fermenting spontaneously in an old 3000L French foudre and stainless steel tanks. The wine underwent malo and aged in the same vessels, and then it was blended in tank and bottled with just a dash of sulfur and a gentle filtering. No fining.

Stats

  • Grapes: 100% Chenin Blanc
  • Vineyard: Moutonshoek (Piketberg)
  • Vine Age: 62-years-old
  • Soil Type: Sandstone
  • Viticulture: Practicing organic
  • Fermentation: Native — 3000L old oak foudre (70%) & stainless-steel (30%)
  • Aging: 11 months in fermentation vessels
  • Alcohol: 12%
  • pH: 3.3
  • Total Acidity: 5.5 g/L
  • Total SO2: 32 ppm
  • Total Production: 1,670 cases
  • UPC: 7070292775675

Tasting Notes

Hay yellow color with notes of Granny Smith apple, pineapple, chamomile, white flowers, and ginger. The palate is light and refreshing but still round with mid-palate weight. It’s like a wave of cool ocean air, and the finish glides away with a lingering minerality.

Press & Reviews

The WineMag

91

"Grapes from a Piketberg vineyard planted in 1961. Lime, peach and herbs on the nose. The palate is lean and taut with a pithy texture – delicious!"

- Christian Eedes

Producer


Testalonga

Region


Swartland

Country


South Africa

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