February 2007    by Peridot Communications

After a phenomenally successful 2006, local winemaker Bruwer Raats continues making international headlines not only for his acclaimed Chenin Blancs, but also for his single varietal Cabernet Franc.

The definitive Wine and Spirit magazine praised the 2004 Raats Cabernet Franc for its fine and elegant qualities and described it as one of the top South African Cabernet Francs due to the "lifted cherry on the nose, lovely purity of ripe cherry, damson and plum fruit spiked with cinnamon and the silky soft texture to its elegant frame."

In its review of the world's first international Cabernet Franc tasting during Les Rendez-Vous de Fontevraud in the Loire Valley last year, Wine and Spirits magazine put the spotlight on Cabernet Franc vintages from France, South Africa, Hungary, the United States, Italy, Australia and Hong Kong.  Top wine producers from across the globe had high praise for the Raats Cabernet Franc proving that, despite the warmer South African climate,  local Cabernet Franc still encompasses the passionate components that French Cabernet Francs have become renowned for.

The Raats Family Wines Cabernet Franc is also making inroads into the increasingly competitive Swedish market.  Swedish magazine Livets Goda magazine credited Raats with mastering the skill of producing a premium Cabernet Franc characterized by elegance, delicacy and an uncompromising identity.

Raats has been a passionate advocate of both single varietals Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc and views the recognition his wines are receiving as validation for his belief in these grapes.  "Cabernet Franc has a reputation as a difficult variety, but this is ultimately advantageous as it is unsuited to big brands.  Therefore there a fewer wines and these are known for quality not quantity.  I have always been outspoken about my dedication to these two varietals as I think they are most probably the unsung heroes in the world of wine.  I believe that both are undervalued and really enjoy it when my wine manages to impress internationally.