About The Pack
Testalonga are part of a revolutionary groundswell taking place in South African wine, where traditions are being challenged and brave new territory is being explored. The painfully small amount of wine that this duo produces gets snapped up in short order the world over.
Known for their striking intensity and nervy energy, Craig and Carla's wines are on the cutting edge of the natural wine movement in their country.
Here is a sample pack of their four Baby Bandito releases from 2021 - two reds, two whites, the perfect intro into this excellent new wave producer.
2021 Testalonga Baby Bandito Keep on Punching Chenin Blanc
Keep on Punching is the super-approachable Chenin Blanc from renegade South African organic vigneron, Craig Hawkins.
This only has a smidge of skin contact compared to his other Chenin releases so it shows vibrant citrus and apple notes to the max, with just a hint of chewy grip.
Just a few dozen available, so make sure you get a look at one of the world's most interesting wineries.
Read more about 2021 Testalonga Baby Bandito Keep on Punching Chenin Blanc2021 Testalonga Baby Bandito Stay Brave Chenin Blanc
Tangy, herbal, spicy, a touch grippy, this is a fascinating SA Chenin Blanc from natural wine royalty, Testalonga.
Organically farmed, the fruit spends twelve days on skins, developing citrus, orange peel and floral flavours, and is full of youthful, perky acidity. Expect to find florals intermingled with ginger and spice, too.
Tiny amounts imported, move quickly...
Read more about 2021 Testalonga Baby Bandito Stay Brave Chenin Blanc2021 Testalonga Baby Bandito Chin Up Cinsault
This is a charming light red from Testalonga, ready to fill you with the warm fuzzies and good vibes.
Sourced from 40 year-old bush vines, farmed organically on an exposed granite site, this a soft, appealing introduction to the charms of Cinsault.
Floral, and a touch peppery, with a gently, slurpy palate, it also shows off the herbal edge common to the variety. As usual, this release from Craig really knocks it out of the park.
Read more about 2021 Testalonga Baby Bandito Chin Up Cinsault2021 Testalonga Baby Bandito Follow Your Dreams Carignan
This is the lightest, daintiest version of Carignan from Craig at Testalonga. It's got more in common with, say a Jura rouge or something Cabernet Franc-like out of the Loire Valley than a classic Rhone red.
It's fresh, racy, filled with character and seasoned with a little wildness, and rustic grip. Think peppery berries and silky tannin, a wine to really dive right into.
There's a lot to love here, for sure. Excellent stuff.
Read more about 2021 Testalonga Baby Bandito Follow Your Dreams Carignan