Testalonga Mielie Green

Crisp. Fresh. Gluggable. Dry. Chenin Blanc. In such balmy temperatures as we now have, this is utterly irresistible, chilled and frosted. Created by Craig Hawkins, one of South Africa’s finest vignerons and helm master at Testalonga, he and his wife Carla are perennial radar avoiders but nonetheless have achieved worldwide cult status for their enigmatic natural wines. Polarising as natural wines tend to be, Craig follows an old school philosophy to his winemaking: single vineyard, single soil and representing that vineyard to the best of his ability. Every label produced comes from a different vineyard with volumes released corresponding to vine yields. Limited editions abound. Miele Green is 100% Chenin Blanc, from a 4Ha block in the sandstone foothills of Piketberg on the western side of Swartland a mere 18km from the cooling South Atlantic, unirrigated and organically farmed. Fruit is grown on decomposed sandstone and decomposed granite at 150m and 300m altitude respectively. Hand harvested, whole bunch pressed and naturally fermented in concrete for 6 months before being racked off its gross lees and reconcreted. Unfined and lightly clarified we have a wonderful purity of soft edged fruit with an unmistakable salinity, rounded apple and pear notes exhibiting a soft acidity with delicate cinnamon notes to take you to your next glass/bottle. By the way, Mielie is a corn cob in Afrikaans, and the nick name of Craig and Carla’s daughter. For the next pub quiz.