Legendary South African winemaker Bruwer Raats is a master with the Chenin Blanc grape, and his 2023 Original Chenin is in peak form. With dry Chenin from the Loire about to be tariffed, this is a great alternative.
Raats's Original Chenin Blanc is crafted without the use of any oak in order to preserve the wine’s “original,” vibrant fresh fruit character. Bursting with fresh fruit flavors, but fermented completely dry, this zesty, racy, and invigorating white will get the juices flowing and keep you coming back for sip after sip.
Just 60 bottles available at deep deal pricing. Get some while the gettins' good!
2023 Raats Original Chenin Blanc
Bone dry, zesty, and perfect for spring and summer sipping!
On Deal: $13.99/bottle and over 20% off -- no further discounts
Regular Price: $17.99/bottle
Chenin Blanc does very well in the vineyards of Stellenbosch, South Africa's most important wine zone. Believed to have been first planted in the country in the mid-1600's, the country today produces Chenins that rival those of France's Loire Valley. Raats’ wines are consistently praised in both press and reviews, receiving some of South Africa’s highest-ever scores.
All of the grapes for Raats Original Chenin Blanc come from old sites planted throughout Stellenbosch. These vineyards are characterized by complex soils of either Table Mountain sandstone or decomposed dolomite granite. This combination of soils gives us great acidity and bright flavors of lime and mineral paired with a generous texture and lush notes of tropical fruits and honeysuckle.
At Raats, all of the fruit is hand-harvested, and the wine is fermented with native yeasts in stainless steel and aged on its lees for 4 months. The finished wine is vibrant, displaying classic notes of apple, green melon, lime, flowers, and mineral. Zesty and mouthwatering on the palate, it's so refreshing and such a wonderful value.
Just in case you need a second opinion, the fine folks at Wine Spectator loved this one too. "A lively and well-cut white that shows a salty underpinning, with notes of tangerine, pink grapefruit granita and white blossoms. Snappy finish."
A perfect "warm and sunny day white," this one also loves all sorts of cuisine. From spicy Thai and Indian to fish and seafood, this is a versatile white for all of your pairing needs. No food required though, this is also just a great aperitif.
