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
Low
AROMAS & FLAVOURS
ABOUT THIS WINE
The El Bandito series by Testalonga, crafted by Craig and Carla Hawkins in South Africa's Swartland region, represents a pioneering movement in natural winemaking. The 'El Bandito Skin' is a notable skin-contact Chenin Blanc, a style that was revolutionary for the region. The name 'El Bandito' embodies the winemakers' rebellious spirit and their commitment to minimal intervention. Testalonga's philosophy centers on producing wines that are a pure expression of their vineyard sites, utilizing organically farmed, old bush vines grown in decomposed granite soils. This approach results in wines celebrated for their vibrancy, purity, and character, often challenging conventional winemaking norms.
ALCOHOL
AVG. PRICE
STYLE
Natural
SULPHITES
YES
When to drink
Now or Later
INTERESTING FACTS
Fact 01
El Bandito was one of the first skin-contact Chenin Blancs in South Africa.
Fact 02
The name 'El Bandito' signifies a rebellious spirit against traditional winemaking.
Fact 03
Wines are bottled unfined and unfiltered, making them vegan-friendly.
Fact 04
Testalonga aims to produce wines with 'grapes and nothing else'.
FOOD PAIRING
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WINE MAKING PROCESS
The El Bandito series is crafted using a philosophy of minimal intervention. Grapes are hand-harvested from organically farmed, dryland bush vines. For the 'Skin' bottling, Chenin Blanc undergoes skin-contact fermentation for 8-14 days with wild yeasts, followed by malolactic fermentation. The 'Cortez' is whole-bunch pressed and also undergoes malolactic fermentation. Both wines are aged in old oak foudres or barriques. They are bottled unfined and unfiltered, with minimal or no added sulphites, ensuring the purest expression of the grape and terroir.
