Testalonga El Bandito Lords of Dogtown 2022

---LIMITED TO 1X PER CUSTOMER---

Chenin Blanc. 50 year hardy old-vines.

Loads of spice, ginger, white pepper, dried orange and lemon.

Note from Craig: “Our farm, Bandits Kloof, is now a blank canvas and can be quite a demanding place at times. It’s definitely a challenge in a positive way but is a bit “rough” at the moment. We have friendly nicknamed it “Dog town” as the animals (baboons, donkeys, cattle, dogs) are or seem to want to be in charge. The photo was taken by Carla on one of our walks, and the donkeys and cattle all seemed to be posing for the camera as if it was a photo shoot. The owner of the vineyard Carl Malherbe has 2h a of vineyard which when he brought the farm was abandoned, we worked together and are in the process of getting the 2 blocks back into production, Carl being a cattle auctioneer always jokingly asks when I’m going to put an Nguni on the label, so the photo just fitted.”

Testalonga - Swartland, South Africa

Testalonga was born in 2008 when husband and wife super-duo Carla and Craig Hawkins bought some vineyards and a winery at a location in Swartland called Bandits Kloof.

Out of Bandits Kloof came the El Bandito's including the legendary wine, Skin. Which, when they first macerated Chenin Blanc and released it onto the market in 2008 was THE very first modern skin-contact wine released in South Africa. The El Bandito line of wines are all single-vineyard, single varietal, world-conquering masterpieces nurtured to existence by Craig, who leads the winemaking, and draws from his experience learning the craft in Portugal and South-West France (among other places). Craig is renowned for his ability to carve out wines of great finesse and balance. And this is most typified in the El Bandito line.

Later came the Baby Banditos which make their ever sought after wines that bit more accessible, thankfully! They are easy drinking in style but carry that hallmark minimal intervention approach. Allowing the variety and terroir of Swartland really shine through.

We say this a lot... But, we are super proud to have these wines to share with you. And really mean it. We know the love that gets poured into every drop and cherish them all. Just as many the world over does. Hence why some are in very limited quantity and are only available through our store directly (so that we can share them fairly!).

If you appreciate, our want to learn to appreciate, minimal intervention winemaking of the world at its very best. And wan to understand more about the varietal and terroir expressions of South Africa. Then please do yourselves a favour and try some of these wines.