# Baby Bandito Stay Brave Chenin Blanc (2024)

- **Producer:** Testalonga
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Chenin Blanc
- **Region:** Western Cape, South Africa
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 11.5%
- **Average price:** €22
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 8–10 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** peach, pear, orange, white pepper, ginger

## About this wine

Testalonga was established in 2008 by Craig and Carla Hawkins, who are celebrated as pioneers of South Africa's natural wine movement in Swartland. The 'Baby Bandito' range was launched in 2015 with a focus on single vineyards, aiming to deliver accessible, early-drinking natural wines with immense personality. The range's uplifting project names serve as encouraging expressions for a child, while the artistic label artwork features street photography taken in Cambodia by Craig's brother.

## Interesting facts

- The label photograph was captured in Cambodia by winemaker Craig Hawkins' brother to symbolize hope.
- The grapes come from a single 1.5-hectare dry-land bush vine vineyard originally planted in 1981.
- The 'Baby Bandito' names were chosen as uplifting words of encouragement meant for a child.

## Food pairing

The bright natural acidity and subtle structural weight of skin-contact fermentation allow this wine to pair exceptionally well with sweet-and-sour or umami-rich dishes, cutting through oiliness while balancing mild Asian spices.

## Wine making process

Hand-harvested in late January 2024 from dry-farmed organic bush vines planted in 1981 on decomposed granite soils. The grapes were cooled overnight to 6°C, 100% destemmed into open 2,000L tanks, and macerated on skins for 14 days. Fermentation occurred spontaneously with indigenous wild yeasts without enzymes, temperature manipulation, or acid additions. After pressing, the wine completed spontaneous malolactic fermentation and aging in fibreglass tanks before being bottled unfined, unfiltered, and with minimal sulfur additions.