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Testalonga, Monkey Gone to Heaven Mourvedre, 2024

$40.99
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Mourvèdre usually turns up dense, tannic and a little wild; Craig Hawkins makes it light on its feet. The fruit comes from a small block on the Paardeberg's lower slopes near Abbotsdale in the Swartland, planted in 2001 on koffieklip — a clay-rich soil over decomposed granite — and farmed organically in partnership with Jurgen Gouws of Intellego. Everything goes into the tank whole-bunch, ferments on native yeast in stainless steel with about 17 days on the skins, then spends twelve months in old 500-liter French barrels, with only a small sulfur addition and no fining. The name is lifted from a Pixies song, which tells you how seriously Hawkins takes the labels and, by contrast, how seriously he takes the farming. Drink it now with a light chill, or hold it a few years.

Shipping

Every step of the journey is managed to uphold the integrity of each bottle.

  • Nationwide Access: Flat-rate shipping available to most U.S. states with delivery in 3-5 business days.
  • Temperature-Monitored Shipping: We closely monitor weather conditions and make informed decisions to ensure shipments travel safely, with insulated packaging and refrigerated transport available when required.
  • Wine-Specific Protective Packaging: Specialized materials designed to maintain label integrity and prevent breakage during transit.
  • Provenance Assured: All wines are maintained in climate-controlled conditions at our shop until the moment of dispatch.

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We stand behind every bottle we sell.

  • Corked wine? Full refund or exchange within 60 days
  • Damaged shipment? Contact us within 48 hours
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Hours

Sunday - Thursday: 12 pm - 8 pm

Friday: 11am - 9pm

Saturday: 10am - 9pm

Email: help@flatiron-wines.com
Phone: (212) 477-1315

More about Testalonga

Craig and Carla Hawkins didn't just make natural wine in Swartland—they changed what the South African government recognizes. Their 2008 skin-macerated Chenin was allegedly the first orange wine produced in the country, and they've spent fifteen years proving that minimal intervention and wild fermentation yield complexity, not chaos. Four vineyard ranges, Mediterranean grapes on granite and sandstone, nothing added but respect for the fruit.

Wine Details

  • Grape Variety

    Mourvedre

  • Vintage

    2024

  • Size

    750ml

  • Farming Practice

    Organic

  • Style

    Earthy , Juicy , Spicy

  • Sweetness

    Dry

  • Body

    Medium Bodied

Flatiron's Take

From the Importer

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Tasting Notes & Food Pairings

Perfect Pairings

Grilled lamb sosaties or merguez, charred eggplant with yogurt, roast chicken with herbs, pork belly, or a spicy chorizo pizza.

Tasting Profile

Plum, wild strawberry and dried herbs with a peppery, earthy edge. Medium-bodied and lithe, with juicy acidity and soft, fine-grained tannins on a clean, savory finish.