May 2007    by Peridot Communications

Stellenbosch winemaker Bruwer Raats' unwavering commitment and dedication to the Chenin Blanc variety have once again caused headlines. In the Swedish lifestyle magazine Livets Goda (Good Things of Life) master sommelier Markus del Monego proclaims his 2006 Raats Chenin Blanc as revolutionary.

Del Monego became the first person to hold the titles of Sommelier World Champion and Master of Wine when he passed his examination by the Institute of Masters of Wine in 2003. In the April issue of the magazine, Del Monego predicts a fabulous future for South African Chenin Blanc. Calling the Raats Chenin Blanc an obvious example of the grape's great potential, Del Monego enjoyed the brilliant colour and tantalising aromas captured in this vintage. "The taste is a perfect combination of fruit, mineral and acid. A resolute complex wine with long aftertaste and an obvious vision - South Africa is going to revolutionize the world of wine," writes Del Monego.

In reaction to these accolades, Raats reiterated his strong belief in this much neglected grape variety as a potential icon wine for South Africa. "I have always been committed to producing a South African Chenin Blanc of exceptional quality by allowing the grape to express itself in the wine. If local producers want to produce Chenin Blanc of world-class standards, we need to see a complete style change. Over-oaked, off-dry and semi-sweet Chenins just won't cut it on the international stage," states Raats.