Testalonga El Bandito Sweet Cheeks is an elegant Muscat wine originating from South Africa. The wine oozes a unique blend of flavourful notes, encompassing fresh fruits and aromatic florals. It's splendidly intense on the palate, with hints of ripe peach, honeydew, and citrus, harmoniously balanced by a crisp acidity. Its sweetness is comely, never cloying, making it a delightful choice for dessert pairings. The natural fermentation methods add an earthy tone, resulting in a wine that is beautifully complex, yet light on the finish. El Bandito Sweet Cheeks Muscat is, undoubtedly, an enchanting tasting journey.

Tasting Notes

Hanepoot (Muscat Alexandrie) is actually a table grape and meant for eating but we did an experiment in 2013 with skin contact to try and extract the flavour and it has made one of our most refreshing wines to drink

About the Winery

Nestled in the Olifant River region of South Africa, Testalonga Winery proves an intriguing allure to wine enthusiasts globally. Owned by an ambitious duo, Craig and Carla Hawkins, this estate offers a unique touch to traditional winemaking methods, incorporating sustainable practices, visceral passion, and an emphasis on nature's beauty.

The Hawkins' commitment to organic farming principles since 2008 has been a cornerstone of Testalonga. Their dedication contributes towards producing an extensive variety of organic wines that are richly layered with complex flavours and personalities. Testalonga is renowned for its minimal-intervention, focused on allowing the grapes to deliver their essence and purity in every bottle.

Each wine, from their El Bandito to their Baby Bandito series, is crafted with meticulous precision. The process involves letting grapes ferment in their skins, resulting in wines with impressive depth, texture, and characteristic orange hue. This method, although laborious, gives Testalonga's wines a distinct personality that sets them apart from the rest.

In terms of their vineyard, the remarkable mountain-shelted location adds to the sensual charm. The vineyard’s altitude, combined with the granite soils, creates an unrepeatable terroir that is reflected in the wines’ intense minerality and vivacious acidity.

The winery also maintains a hospitable tasting room. Skilfully integrating rustic charm with modern elegance, it provides a welcoming ambience for people to sip, savour and indulge in the unique Testalonga experience.

Testalonga Winery's heart lies not just creating noteworthy wines, but also in its respect for nature. The vineyard is a treasure trove of biodiversity, home to a myriad of plant species, insects and birds. With a sustainable ethos at its core, Testalonga is not only a winery, but a celebration of the symbiotic relationship between man and earth.

Despite the ever-evolving wine industry, Testalonga remains devoted to its roots, sustainable practice and unyielding passion for creating exceptional wines, it’s a must-visit destination for any wine enthusiast.

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