cortez testalonga natural wine swartland south africa front label
cortez testalonga natural wine swartland south africa back labe
testalonga winemaker
testalonga vineyard
cortez testalonga natural wine swartland south africa front label
cortez testalonga natural wine swartland south africa back labe
testalonga winemaker
testalonga vineyard

Cortez El Bandito 2019

Testalonga

$28.95 Sale • Save

This crisp Chenin undergoes spontaneous fermentation in foudres and stainless steel followed by malolactic fermentation. Exciting notes of freshly baked bread, honey, apricot, and citrus. Medium on the body followed with lively high citrus acidity.

 

Great minerality on the palate with a long finish.

ABV:

  • 12%

Vintage:

  • 2019

Type:

  • White

More On Cortez El Bandito 2019

natural wine pairings

Pairings

Soft Cheese, Lean Fish, Shellfish

natural wine varietal

Varietal

Chenin Blanc

Adventure Level

Middle of the Road

Region

Swartland, South Africa

testalonga-winemaker

The Producer

About Testalonga

Craig & Carla Hawkins are the proud owners of TESTALONGA, a venture that took root in 2008 with the inception of their inaugural wine, a Skin Macerated Chenin Blanc. Operating from rented 11 hectares of organically cultivated vineyards nestled within the granite soils of the Paardeberg, along with an additional 4 hectares situated on the Sandstone soils of the Piketberg, TESTALONGA remains deeply rooted in its commitment to natural winemaking practices. In 2015, the acquisition of Bandits Kloof farm in the slate-rich northern mountains of the Swartland marked a significant milestone. Here, the couple embarked on a new journey, focusing on cultivating Mediterranean grape varieties, with the first vineyards planted in 2018.

About the Region

Swartland, South Africa

Natural wine from Swartland embodies the raw, untamed spirit of South Africa's winemaking renaissance. Nestled within the rugged landscapes of the Western Cape, Swartland's vineyards thrive under the intense African sun and cooling ocean breezes. Here, a new generation of winemakers is redefining tradition, championing organic and biodynamic practices that honor the land and its bounty. With minimal intervention in the cellar, Swartland's natural wines showcase the purest expression of the region's terroir, from old-vine Chenin Blancs bursting with tropical fruit to robust Syrahs layered with spice and earth. Each bottle tells a story of innovation and adventure, inviting drinkers to explore the wild beauty and boundless potential of South Africa's winemaking landscape.

As Seen On

forbes mysa press
MYSA Natural wine featured in Food and wine
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MYSA Natural wine featured in bon appetit