2022 Chenin Blanc 'Original' Raats Family Wines, Stellenbosch
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.
On all gifts and orders over £180 in value.
Smaller orders are subject to a £9.95 charge
We aim to deliver your wines within our standard 1 to 4 working days. 90% of orders are delivered within 48 hours. There are certain wines which are on a pre-order status and these are clearly marked on the product themselves and at the checkout stage. Deliveries take place between 8am and 5pm Monday to Friday.
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Our specialist in-house fulfilment team pick, pack and dispatch wines to all UK addresses. Our service is fast efficient and reliable.
Delivery to these areas can take up to 5 to 7 working days.
Orders under £180 in value £19.95
Orders £180 - £249 in value £11.95
Orders over £250 delivered free
If you are ordering from the Isle of Man, please call us on 01206 713560 for your delivery options.
Where possible, we will use the existing packaging the wine is shipped to us in from the producer. If we feel this is unfit, we will re-pack in a Mr.Wheeler branded, recyclable cardboard carton.
Inevitably there will be the occasional breakage upon transit. If your wine doesn’t arrive in perfect condition, please contact our sales team on 01206 713560 or [email protected] and we will be very happy to arrange a suitable solution or straight replacement.
For deliveries outside of the UK, please contact the sales team on 01206 713560 or email [email protected] to obtain a quote.
We’re confident in every bottle of wine we sell at Mr.Wheeler
if you don’t like any bottle, for whatever reason, please let us know and we will replace the wine or refund you. Faulty or unenjoyable bottles of any description, reported within a reasonable time after purchase, will be refunded without question or delay. Please contact our sales team on 01206 713560 or by [email protected] if you are not entirely happy with your purchase.
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