Baby Bandito Testalonga, chenin blanc, orange, south african wine, organic, low sulphite, Swartland

Baby Bandito, Stay Brave, Testalonga

£21.00

ORGANIC / NATURAL / VEGAN / LOW SULPHITES

A joyful skin-contact Chenin Blanc from South Africa’s Swartland, full of energy. Light, textural and a little wild, it’s full of citrus and orchard fruit with a dry, slightly grippy finish. A brilliant intro to orange wine.

  • Origin: Swartland, South Africa
  • Producer: Testalonga
  • Vintage: 2023/24
  • Grape variety: Chenin Blanc
  • Food pairing: Shellfish, Spicy food, Lean fish, Mild and soft cheese
  • Bottle size: 75cl
  • ABV: 11.5%

Flavour profile

Fresh and expressive, with layers of mandarin, yellow apple, and preserved lemon, lifted by gentle herbal notes and a dry, mineral backbone. There's a bit of grip from the skins, but nothing too intense, just enough to add texture and keep things interesting. Zesty, clean, and slightly savoury, it’s an orange wine that feels both approachable and full of personality.

About Testalonga

Testalonga is the project of Craig and Carla Hawkins, pioneers of South Africa’s natural wine movement. Based in Swartland, they focus on organic farming, native yeasts, and minimal intervention in the cellar. Their Baby Bandito range is all about creativity, energy, and making wines that are fun, expressive, and easy to love, with serious attention to detail behind the scenes.

About Chenin Blanc

Originally from the Loire Valley in France, Chenin Blanc has found a second home in South Africa, where it thrives in the warm climate and diverse soils. It’s an incredibly versatile grape, capable of producing everything from fresh, light whites to richly textured, skin-contact wines like this one. When treated naturally, it shows layers of stone fruit, citrus, wild herbs, and a characteristic acidity that keeps the wine fresh and balanced.

How to pair it

This is a super versatile bottle. It pairs well with dishes that have a bit of spice or richness: think spiced cauliflower, tagines, grilled chicken, or Middle Eastern mezze. It’s also great with cheeses, especially soft rinds or nuttier styles. And thanks to its freshness and light grip, it works just as well on its own, straight out of the fridge, as a sunny afternoon aperitif.

What are the delivery options?

  • Local Delivery (E17, E10 postcodes): Free over £35
  • Click & Collect: Free
  • Standard Delivery: £8.95 (Free over £80)

Where can I get my order delivered?

  • Local Delivery is available within London E17 and E10 postcodes.
  • Click & Collect orders can be picked up at our shop located at 149 Forest Rd, E17 6HE.

When will my order arrive?

  • Next day service is available for local and standard deliveries (subject to availability).
  • All orders placed by midnight will be dispatched the next working day.

Why do I need to pay for returns?

  • If returning your order by mail, the buyer is responsible for the return shipping cost.
  • You may return your purchase within 30 days if you are unsatisfied for any reason.

How do I return my order?

  • Free returns are available if you return your order to our store.
  • If returning by mail, you may ship back the item using the carrier of your choice.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chenin Blanc dry or sweet?

Chenin Blanc can be both! It's one of the most versatile grape varieties, producing everything from bone-dry to sweet wines. In South Africa, you'll find plenty of dry Chenin Blanc with crisp acidity and stone fruit flavours, while France's Loire Valley makes both dry and sweet versions. Always check the label or ask, the style varies significantly by producer.

Is Chenin Blanc a Chablis?

No, Chenin Blanc is a grape variety, while Chablis is a specific wine region in France that makes white wine exclusively from Chardonnay grapes. They're completely different - Chablis is mineral and steely, while Chenin Blanc tends to be more fruit-forward with higher natural acidity.

What wine is South Africa famous for?

South Africa is most famous for Chenin Blanc: it's their signature white grape and they produce some of the world's best examples. The country is also known for Pinotage, a unique red grape created by crossing Pinot Noir and Cinsault. More recently, South African Syrah and Chardonnay have gained international recognition.

Is South African wine any good?

Absolutely. South African wines offer exceptional quality and value, especially from regions like Stellenbosch, Swartland, and Walker Bay. The combination of diverse terroir, innovative winemaking, and old vine vineyards produces wines that compete with the best in the world. Plus, the exchange rate makes them brilliant value for money.

Are there any sulphite free wines?

Technically, no wine is completely sulphite-free because grapes naturally produce small amounts of sulphites during fermentation. However, there are "no added sulphites" wines where producers don't add any additional SO2. These natural wines rely on careful handling and often have shorter shelf lives, but many people find them easier to drink.

Is low sulphite wine better for you?

For most people, sulphite levels in wine aren't a health concern, only about 1% of the population has a genuine sulphite sensitivity. Low sulphite wines aren't necessarily "healthier," but some people do report fewer headaches or reactions. The bigger health factor is usually the alcohol content and overall wine quality rather than sulphite levels.