No one knows Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc quite like the Raats family. Their internationally-acclaimed wines have been reviewed by several prestigious critics, who would strongly agree that the Raats family is extremely talented when it comes to fine wine production.
Located in the Polkadraai Hills of South Stellenbosch, the Raats Family Wine farm has received much appraisal for its splendid wines. Raats Family Wines was featured in a March 2007 issue of the New York Times as creating the top rated South African Chenin Blanc. Raats’ 2004 Cabernet Blanc was rated as one of the top 12 international Cabernet Francs in Wine & Sprit’s February 2007 issue. And the list doesn’t stop there—Raats’ wines have been featured in over seven prestigious publications across the world.
What gives these wines so much body, flavor, and life? Careful analysis of soil, land elevation, vine age, and great attention to detail are just a few elements that helped the Raats family create such a spectacular variety of wines.
There are three types of wine the Raats family and farm owner, Bruwer Raats, makes: Raats Original Chenin Blanc, Raats Chenin Blanc, and Raat Cabernet Franc. Raats Family Wines offers a large plethora of vintage wines, as well as, their current wines.
Raats Family Wines include:
• Raats Original Chenin Blanc 2008: Boasting a delicious blend of fresh, vibrant flavors, this award-winning wine is one of Raats’ most prized creations. A savory fusion of crisp apple, pineapple, citrus, and ginger gives this wine its unique kick. The vines yielding the scrumptious grapes that make up the Chenin Blanc 2008 are grown in decomposed granite and Table Mountain sandstone soils. Raats suggests pairing this dry white wine with curry, spicy dishes, sushi, or oysters.
• Raats Chenin Blanc 2007: If you’re looking to taste a critically-acclaimed wine with hints of sweetness and scrumptious flavors, Raats Chenin Blanc 2007can not be missed. One sip of the rich honeyed pear, butterscotch, citrusy, and spicy edged Raats Chenin Blanc 2007 will create a blissful frenzy in your mouth. This wine is created from three particular vineyards in Stellenbosch. Grown in decomposed granite and Table Mountain sandstone, this wine offers a firm minerality bite. Some of Raats’ food pairing suggestions include duck l’orange, oysters, and game fish.
• Raats Cabernet Franc: Arguably South Africa’s finest Cabernet Franc, this elegant wine lives up to its award-winning reputation. The carefully crafted blend of blackberry, black cherry, plum, tobacco, cinnamon, spice, and a hint of dark chocolate create a delightful frenzy on the palette. Grown in decomposed granite soil, this red wooded wine is best paired with succulent, rich meat dishes. Raats suggests the best foods to pair with this bold flavored wine are beef fillet with peppercorn sauce, game bird with red wine sauce, and venison dishes.
Interested in experiencing what the Raat wine frenzy is all about? Take a trip to Cape Winelands and stop by the Raats Family Wines’ tasting room for an out-of-this-world experience. Explore the rich flavors of the Raats’ internationally-renowned wines and speak with the wine maker himself, Bruwer Raats. Let Hills of Africa Travel create a personalized itinerary for you, tailored around your every preference. We make appointments at prestigious wine estates for our clients and ensure their experience goes above and beyond what they could have ever dreamed. Contact us today at (877) 845-4802. We’re looking forward to making your dreams come true . . .
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I absolutely love Raats Cabernet Franc. If you have yet to try this, you have yet to experience the best. Great review!
Hi Rachel – thanks for your wonderful comment. I’m a big lover of wine, and thank you for the recommendation. Off to purchase Raats Cabernet Franc online now, don’t think you can get it in the grocery stores in North Carolina. Thank you!