Raats Family Wines, South Africa
Purchasing the only land he could afford, some relatively cheap and ‘undesirable’ plots in the Polkadraai Hills, it soon became apparent that the unique granite-based terroir was producing some incredible wines, and is now recognised as one of the finest wards in Stellenbosch. His Eden High Density Single Vineyard Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc, and the iconic MR de Compostella hold a place as some of South Africa’s finest wines and sit comfortably amongst the best expressions of the varieties on the planet.
Winemaking
Fruit mostly comes from 25-year+ old bush and trellised vines grown in both decomposed granite and Table Mountain sandstone soils. Vines are unirrigated and yield approximately 7 tons per hectare.
- A philosophy of ‘excellence through specialisation’, focusing on the once unfashionable grape varieties of Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc.
- The Polkadraai Hills, and their unique granite-based terroir is today recognised as one of the finest wards in Stellenbosch.
- Awarded Winemaker of the Year by Tim Atkin MW in his South African Special Report 2023
