One of the greatest innovators in the story of South African wine, Achim von Arnim believes in creating experiences. Wine Master Allan Mullins shares a glass with the vinicultural hero.
“Haute Cabrière and Pierre Jourdan are all about the celebration of life,” insists Achim von Arnim, who has followed the French labelling tradition that gives the still wines the name of the farm and the sparkling wines the name of the founder.
The Pierre Jourdan range consists of five Mèthode Cap Classiques and a still wine made from the base wine of the bubblies.
- Brut (60 percent Chardonnay and 40 percent Pinot Noir with a crisp, lively bubble)
- Blanc de Blanc (100 percent Chardonnay with citrus flavours and a creamy mousse)
- Brut Sauvage (60 percent Chardonnay and 40 percent Pinot Noir with no added sweetening and an elegant finish)
- Cuvée Belle Rose (pure Pinot Noir, salmon pink in colour and redolent of bright summer berries)
- Cuvée Reserve (deep and rich with a hint of baked apple thanks to 60 months’ yeast maturation).
- The still wine is Tranquille (a blushing lowalcohol, sunny-day delight).
The Haute Cabrière label contains three wines, Achim and Takuan have had a runaway success with the Chardonnay- Pinot Noir 2010, a pink, peach- and citrus flavoured charmer.
The Pinot Noir 2007 – made from the most fragile and demanding of grapes (“a lady who needs your full attention”, according to Achim) – shows subtle oak flavours and a nose of concentrated ripe red cherries that only adds to the mouth filling palate and long, sensuous finish. Achim suggests pairing it with duck, goat’s milk cheese, salmon or yellowtail.
An exciting new release is Unwooded Pinot Noir 2011. Takuan emphasises that this wine’s aim is “to showcase the natural red fruit flavours and aromas of the vintage in an elegant, vibrant style”. It is low in alcohol and ticks all the right boxes.
Serve it lightly chilled with a summer salad of rare roast beef and raspberry vinaigrette.
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