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Testalonga

2022

‘Cortez’

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

About

‘Cortez’ comes from an organically farmed bush vine site planted in 1972. The vineyard is a special one, as it has been farmed organically since 2001 and every year, good or bad, it provides incredible tension in the wine. Craig attributes this to the high percentage of quartz/silica in the soil. As for the label, Craig and Carla change it up every year to best suit the feeling they think the wine is giving. The photo on the label was taken by their daughter, Camilla. It was a puzzle piece that was lying around the house on their leather table top. The name, ‘Cortez,’ is apparently named after the Dave Matthews & Neil Young song, ‘Cortez the Killer.’ “But they built up with their bare hands what we still can’t build today…”

The grapes were hand harvested and whole bunch pressed before fermenting spontaneously in four 500L old French foudres and one 1500L stainless steel tank. After 6 months, the wine was blended & bottled with a gentle filtration and sulfur addition. No fining.

Stats

  • Grapes: 100% Chenin Blanc
  • Vine Age: 52-years-old
  • Soil Type: Quartz & silica
  • Viticulture: Practicing organic
  • Fermentation: Native – old French foudres (60%) and stainless steel (40%)
  • Aging: 6 months in old French foudres and stainless steel
  • Alcohol: 12%
  • pH: 3.3
  • Total Acidity: 5.6 g/L

Tasting Notes

Fresh bread, honey, apricot, graham cracker, and a kick of citrus right up front. The palate has a stove-top popcorn meets cheese rind quality in the best way. It’s smooth but lively, with that citrus carrying through. Nice minerality and a long finish that doesn’t quit.

Press & Reviews

The WineMag

95

"From a Paardeberg vineyard, this vintage seems particularly delicate and subtle. Airy aromatics of hay, pear, peach, citrus and floral perfume while the palate is pure and linear with zippy acidity and a pithy finish."

- Christian Eedes

Producer


Testalonga

Region


Swartland

Country


South Africa

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