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Type: Orange Wine (Skin Contact / Natural / Organic / Minimal Intervention)
Region: Swartland, South Africa
Grapes: 100% Chenin Blanc
Alcohol ABV: 12%
Aroma:
An expressive skin-contact Chenin Blanc with aromas of lemon zest, orange peel, green apple, and yellow citrus. Floral notes, ginger, dried herbs, and subtle savoury tones add complexity, while a gentle oxidative character gives the wine extra depth and personality.
Palate:
Light to medium-bodied with bright acidity and a refreshing mineral backbone. The palate shows flavours of citrus, green apple, pear, and stone fruit, layered with subtle tannic grip from skin contact. Notes of ginger, herbs, and saline minerality lead to a clean, energetic finish with excellent freshness.
The Chenin Blanc comes from approximately 40-year-old vines planted on decomposed granite soils in Swartland. The grapes are hand-harvested and undergo skin fermentation for around 8 days in open fermenters before being pressed into old oak vessels. The wine is fermented with indigenous yeasts, undergoes natural malolactic fermentation, and is aged with minimal intervention before bottling. A small amount of sulphur is added shortly before bottling, with no fining and only light filtration.
Testalonga, founded by winemaker Craig Hawkins, follows a natural and low-intervention approach, working with organically and biodynamically farmed vineyards in Swartland. The region’s dry Mediterranean climate, old bush vines, and granite-based soils allow Chenin Blanc to develop concentrated fruit while maintaining freshness, minerality, and natural balance.
Type: Orange Wine (Skin Contact / Natural / Organic / Minimal Intervention)
Region: Swartland, South Africa
Grapes: 100% Chenin Blanc
Alcohol ABV: 12%
Aroma:
An expressive skin-contact Chenin Blanc with aromas of lemon zest, orange peel, green apple, and yellow citrus. Floral notes, ginger, dried herbs, and subtle savoury tones add complexity, while a gentle oxidative character gives the wine extra depth and personality.
Palate:
Light to medium-bodied with bright acidity and a refreshing mineral backbone. The palate shows flavours of citrus, green apple, pear, and stone fruit, layered with subtle tannic grip from skin contact. Notes of ginger, herbs, and saline minerality lead to a clean, energetic finish with excellent freshness.
The Chenin Blanc comes from approximately 40-year-old vines planted on decomposed granite soils in Swartland. The grapes are hand-harvested and undergo skin fermentation for around 8 days in open fermenters before being pressed into old oak vessels. The wine is fermented with indigenous yeasts, undergoes natural malolactic fermentation, and is aged with minimal intervention before bottling. A small amount of sulphur is added shortly before bottling, with no fining and only light filtration.
Testalonga, founded by winemaker Craig Hawkins, follows a natural and low-intervention approach, working with organically and biodynamically farmed vineyards in Swartland. The region’s dry Mediterranean climate, old bush vines, and granite-based soils allow Chenin Blanc to develop concentrated fruit while maintaining freshness, minerality, and natural balance.
