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Testalonga

2024

‘Stay Brave’

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 an organically farmed bush vine block planted in 1981 on the Paardeberg that had been abandoned until Craig and Carla revived it in 2014. The vineyard gives a very specific salty character to the wines, being only 30km from the ocean and planted on decomposed granite.

The grapes were hand-harvested and 100% de-stemmed before fermenting spontaneously in fiberglass tanks. After 12 days of skin contact, the wine was pressed off the skins and returned to the fiberglass tank for malolactic fermentation and aging. After 12 months, the wine was blended & bottled with a gentle filtration and sulfur addition. No fining.

Stats

  • Grapes: 100% Chenin Blanc
  • Vineyard: Abbotsdale (Paardeberg)
  • Vine Age: 43-years-old
  • Soil Type: Decomposed granite
  • Viticulture: Practicing organic – dry-farmed
  • Fermentation: Native — open 2000L tank (100% de-stemmed)
  • Skin Contact: 12 days
  • Aging: 12 months in a fiberglass tank
  • Alcohol: 11.5%
  • pH: 3.4
  • Total Acidity: 5.2 g/L
  • Total SO2: 40 ppm
  • Total Production: 1,000 cases
  • UPC: 7070334463485
  • SRP: $24.99

Tasting Notes

This skin contact Chenin shows typical citrus and lemon zest flavors, with hints of crystallized ginger, white peppercorn, and dried white flowers. A subtle tannic presence is notable under a deep layer of minerality, adding balance to the wine’s bright acidity and fruit-forward palate.

Press & Reviews

The WineMag

94

"Grapes from a vineyard planted in 1981 on granite...Pretty aromatics of soft citrus, orange, potpourri and a hint of white pepper. Lovely fruit expression, bright acidity and a gently savoury finish. Balanced and relatively understated – not too tannic at all."

- Christian Eedes

Decanter

91

"Owner and winemaker Craig Hawkins dry-farms small, organic, rented vineyards such as the 44-year-old block used to make this featherlight, mouthwatering Chenin. The granitic soils have lent the wine a crystalline, salty kick, with citrus fruits, ginger and a peppery hint. Texturally very light, with the merest suggestion of tannins on the finish."

- Simon Woolf
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Producer


Testalonga

Region


Swartland

Country


South Africa

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