COLOUR
Orange
TYPE
Still
VINTAGE
N/A
GRAPE
Chenin Blanc
PRODUCER
Testalonga
REGION
Swartland
CHARACTERISTICS
Body
Medium
Sweetness
Dry
Acidity
High
Finish
Long
Intensity
Pronounced
Tannins
Medium - High
AROMAS & FLAVOURS
ABOUT THIS WINE
Testalonga El Bandito Skin is a pioneering skin-contact Chenin Blanc from the Swartland region of South Africa. Produced by Craig and Carla Hawkins, leaders in the natural wine movement, the wine is made from organically farmed, dryland bush vines planted in 1972. The producer's philosophy centers on minimal intervention, aiming to express the unique terroir of their ancient vineyards. The name 'Testalonga' reflects their iconoclastic approach to winemaking, inspired by a rebellious Italian winemaker and a fabled Sicilian bandit. This wine was the first to be bottled by Testalonga in 2008 and was instrumental in paving the way for skin-contact styles in South Africa.
ALCOHOL
12.5%
AVG. PRICE
€25
STYLE
Natural
VEGAN
YES
SULPHITES
When to drink
Now or Later
Ideal temperature
10-14°C
INTERESTING FACTS
Fact 01
El Bandito Skin was the very first wine bottled by Testalonga in 2008.
Fact 02
The name 'Testalonga' is inspired by a rebellious Italian winemaker.
Fact 03
This wine was initially met with resistance from authorities for not being 'typical'.
Fact 04
Grapes come from bush vines planted in 1972.
FOOD PAIRING
Read more
WINE MAKING PROCESS
Testalonga El Bandito Skin is produced using a natural winemaking approach. The 100% Chenin Blanc grapes are destemmed and fermented on their skins for 8-14 days in open-top fermenters with indigenous yeasts. After fermentation, the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation. It is then pressed and aged for about 11 months in large, old oak foudres. The wine is bottled unfined and unfiltered with minimal sulfur additions, preserving its natural character and complexity.
