Raats 2019 Chenin Blanc, Coastal Region South Africa

Bruwer Raats is a gentle giant of a man and his reputation is starting to match his stature. His mastery of chenin blanc and cabernet franc is bringing him praise from around the world as "the most exciting and forward thinking winemaker" in Stellenbosch.

As part of the new wave of South African winemakers, Bruwer crafts soil specific wines that embody the unique characteristics of the region. With hand harvesting, whole bunch pressing and using natural fermentation without fining or filtering it helps him create wines that are world class.

This Chenin Blanc is produced from vineyards with an average age of 35 years. Vines are grown organically in both decomposed granite and Table Mountain sandstone soils. Combination of trellised and bush vines, irrigated as well as dry land, yields are very low.

The juice was cold settled for 2 to 3 days, then cold fermented in stainless steel tanks and aged on the lees for 6 months before bottling. No wood ageing.

The wine has a distinctive yellow apple and pineapple core, alongside notes of green melon and limes. The wine is bursting with fresh fruit flavors ending with zesty citrus flavors and has a long mineral finish. A very clean and satisfying hand-picked Chenin Blanc that's a versatile wine for food pairing.