2022 Chenin Blanc 'Original' Raats Family Wines, Stellenbosch
Established in 2000, Raats Family Wines based in Stellenbosch are chenin specialists and their Original is an unoaked cracker of a wine. With the use of hand harvesting, whole bunch pressing and natural fermentation, Bruwer Raats has crafted a wonderfully versatile wine which exudes the juicy yellow apple characters that first drew me to the grape. Alongside the apple is a lovely pineapple fruitiness and a refreshing lime zest crispness. Aging on its lees has added a touch of creaminess and texture to the blend and an almond nutty hint.
The number of white grape varieties available in the UK has risen dramatically over the last decade, particularly native Italian ones. However, as much as I enjoy trying something new, theres nothing so great as discovering a new chenin blanc, still my favourite grape after over a decade in the wine trade. I fell in love with chenin after tasting Domaine Huets sensational Vouvray sec when studying for my WSET diploma. I simply loved the intense apple flavours, the zingy acidity, the wonderful weight... Beyond the Loire Valley itself, however, finding a really good chenin blanc is often as rare an occasion as it can be a pricey one. Unless, of course, you turn to South Africa.
Don't just take my word for it though, earlier this year our latest star chenin was glowingly reviewed by The Spectator's Jonathan Ray: "The Raats Family 'Original' Chenin Blanc is an old favourite and I drink buckets. I've long forgiven the mighty Bruwer Raats for getting me whimperingly sozzled on weirdly pink South African grappa in Stellenbosch's notorious De Akker pub, largely because I enjoy his wines so much. This is just lovely, with fresh, lively fruit - quince, pears, peaches and citrus - and a creamy finish. Nobody makes Chenin like Bruwer."
Robin James
Head of Customer Experience, Mr.Wheeler.
Tasting notes
Discover a new chenin blanc and from Stellenbosch. Hand harvested, whole bunch pressed and naturally fermented, ‘Original’ is a wonderfully versatile, unoaked chenin exuding juicy, yellow apple fruit, pineapple fruitiness and a refreshing lime-zest crispness. Lees-ageing gives a touch of creaminess and texture and an almond nutty hint. Outside the Loire, you don’t find chenin at this quality and price. A rare find.