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Testalonga

2022

‘Mangaliza’

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

About

The wine is born from Craig’s experiences working close the Hungarian border in Austria, where he first tasted Hárslevelű. It is a beautifully fragrant grape with great waxy texture and good acidity. While in Hungary, he also discovered the Hungarian “Sheep Pig,” locally called Mangalitsa. Admittedly, Craig like pigs and particularly pigs that look like sheep, so he called the wine Mangaliza in homage to the sheep pig. The photo on the label was taken by Craig and shows a field mouse which he rescued from his dogs, living to see another day.

The grapes were hand harvested and whole bunch pressed before spontaneous fermentation in 225 and 500L barrels. The wine remained in those vessels for malo and aging. About a month before bottling, Craig added a dash of sulfur. The wine was lightly filtered but unfined.

Stats

  • Grapes: 100% Hárslevelű
  • Vineyard: Paardeberg
  • Vine Age: 53-years-old
  • Soil Type: Decomposed granite
  • Viticulture: Practicing organic
  • Fermentation: Native – used 225L and 500L oak barrels
  • Aging: Used 225L and 500L oak barrels
  • Alcohol: 13%
  • pH: 3.12
  • Total Acidity: 6.5 g/L

Tasting Notes

Clean, sharp nose with notes of crisp apples, hay, rosemary, a hint of almonds. It’s got depth, texture, and just the right amount of acidic edge on the palate. A note of elderflower lingers.

Press & Reviews

The WineMag

93

"Honeysuckle, citrus, peach and spice on the nose. Dense fruit, fresh acidity and some tannic grip to the finish. Plenty of flavour intensity, the finish long and dry. Particularly well realised in this vintage."

- Christian Eedes

Producer


Testalonga

Region


Swartland

Country


South Africa

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