December 2007 by Peridot Communications

Bruwer Raats continues to fly the flag for South African Chenin Blancs on a global platform. Earlier today (12 December), the Raats Original Chenin Blanc received the nod from international party planner to the stars, Colin Cowie on CBS News.

During The Early Show, style guru Cowie selected the Raats Original on his insert for the show’s Holiday Gift Guide. Cowie reckoned that this bottle is a classy and affordable gift to your favourite host or hostess.

Cowie, who has become a well-known TV personality and author by styling for Hollywood A-list stars, was impressed by how the wine was crafted without oak to preserve its fresh fruit character. “This really clean-cut version of South Africa's signature white varietal version flaunts white peach, honeysuckle and mineral notes that drive through the lengthy, well-defined finish. No holiday is complete without that one-of-a-kind gift," mentioned Cowie.

This follows hot on the heels of the 2007 Raats Original Chenin Blanc being included as a Smart Buy in Wine Spectator’s annual buying guide with a rating of 89, while also receiving the editor’s thumbs up for inclusion in the publication’s Savvy Shopper.

According to Raats, this shows that the United States wine market are really catching on to the amazing value proposition offered by South African Chenin Blancs. “Not only is this varietal getting high scores, but it is considered both a good investment which can be translated into great quality, but also as value for money at under $15 per bottle. Coming in the wake of 90+ scores for three consecutive vintages of my Raats Chenin Blanc, this shows that wine lovers are finally appreciating the full potential of Chenin."