ORANGE / SOUTH AFRICA / CHENIN BLANC / ORGANIC / NATURAL / VEGAN / LOW SULPHITES

Orange peel – Refreshing – Aperitif

A joyful skin-contact Chenin Blanc from South Africas Swartland, full of energy. Light, textural and a little wild, its full of citrus and orchard fruit with a dry, slightly grippy finish. A brilliant intro to orange wine.

• Origin: Swartland, South Africa
• Producer: Testalonga
• Vintage: 2024
• Grape variety: Chenin Blanc
• Food pairing: Shellfish, Spicy food, Lean fish, Mild and soft cheese
• Bottle size: 75cl
• ABV: 11.5%

Flavour profile

Fresh and expressive, with layers of mandarin, yellow apple, and preserved lemon, lifted by gentle herbal notes and a dry, mineral backbone. There’s a bit of grip from the skins, but nothing too intense, just enough to add texture and keep things interesting. Zesty, clean, and slightly savoury, its an orange wine that feels both approachable and full of personality.

About Testalonga

Testalonga is the project of Craig and Carla Hawkins, pioneers of South Africas natural wine movement. Based in Swartland, they focus on organic farming, native yeasts, and minimal intervention in the cellar. Their Baby Bandito range is all about creativity, energy, and making wines that are fun, expressive, and easy to love, with serious attention to detail behind the scenes.

About Chenin Blanc

Originally from the Loire Valley in France, Chenin Blanc has found a second home in South Africa, where it thrives in the warm climate and diverse soils. Its an incredibly versatile grape, capable of producing everything from fresh, light whites to richly textured, skin-contact wines like this one. When treated naturally, it shows layers of stone fruit, citrus, wild herbs, and a characteristic acidity that keeps the wine fresh and balanced.

How to pair it

This is a super versatile bottle. It pairs well with dishes that have a bit of spice or richness: thinkspiced cauliflower, tagines, grilled chicken, or Middle Eastern mezze. Its also great with cheeses, especially soft rinds or nuttier styles. And thanks to its freshness and light grip, it works just as well on its own, straight out of the fridge, as a sunny afternoon aperitif.