Dark Side Testalonga

39.00

4 in stock

The El Bandito The Dark Side 2017  by Testalonga comes from Shiraz vineyards from the early 2000s – the vines are still in full bloom, but thanks to the low yield, they are already delivering phenolic grapes. The vineyards are cultivated by Craig with no herbicites, pesticides or fungicites. He also does without artificial irrigation. These measures alone have a positive effect on the quality of the grapes and keep the yield low. After hand-picking, the grapes are fermented spontaneously with the vineyard’s own yeast and matured in 3000l wooden barrels. After expansion, it is neither fined nor filtered and filled with minimal sulfur.

The Testalonga El Bandito The Dark Side has a deep dark color with a black core. It smells of red berries and dark stone fruits, of cloves, mocha and cocoa beans as well as tart spiciness. On the palate it has a present tannin and a fine interplay of acids. In terms of alcohol, the Shiraz is quite slim and straight, but still brings a weighty body into play. The finish is long and dominated by the heavier aromas. The El Bandito The Dark Side Shiraz demands air, so give it a few hours in the carafe before serving it slightly chilled from large glasses with roasted game, braised lamb or an oven-baked bean stew with roasted butter crumbs and thyme.

4 in stock

Description

Tasting Notes from Pinto Wines

Colour Dark deep Ruby
Nose Red berries and dark stone fruits, of cloves, mocha and cocoa beans as well as tart spiciness
Palate Deep black cherry and juicy plum flavours mesh with violets and cool strawberry. Some spice

Fact Sheet

Size 75 cl
Grape Variety 100% Syrah
Alcohol % 12.5%
Style Organic full bodied Red
Estate/Producer Craig & Carla Hawkins
Country South Africa
Region Swartland
Vintage 2019
Vinification Hand-harvested then fermented with 100% whole bunches in open 1500L tanks. Pressed after 8 days and matured in one 500L old French oak barrels. No added yeast or acid. SO2 added a month before bottling, un-fined and a light clarifying filtration was done. There is a great purity of fruit this year and even though the wine is of lighter touch it has great depth.
Closure Cork
Cellaring/Ageing Potential Ready to Drink with some ageing potential

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