Testalonga Follow Your Dreams Red

Craig Hawkins, the proprietor and winemaker at Testalonga, is an incredible force in the South African wine industry. He is saving old organic vineyards from being ripped up and is paying top dollar for grapes, which helps make farming a viable career. He helped start the Swartland Revolution, a collective of winemakers in the region bent on making wines without additives, that truly show their unique terroir. He has received impressive accolades for his wines including high scores from Jamie Goode, and listings at restaurants like Noma and Eleven Madison Park.

This organic bushvine vineyard was planted in 2001 on North facing decomposed granite at 220m above sea level. Whole bunches of large, juicy berries are lightly crushed and fermented on the skins for 8 days. The wine is then pressed off into a 3500l foudre. The wine is bright and juicy with plenty of crunchy cherries and plums. It has a hint of funk reminiscent of southern France. The tannins are quite soft making this an easy wine to pair with food. Serve it a little chilled for maximum enjoyment.