Cape Town - Achim von Arnim, chairperson and founder of Haute Cabrière Estate in Franschhoek, was awarded the Frans Malan Legacy Award at the annual Amorim Cap Classique Challenge held at the 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa.
The award was created to honour the icons of the Méthode Cap Classique industry and is named in honour of the late Frans Malan from Simonsig Wine Estate, who crafted the first Champagne-style sparkling wine in South Africa in 1971.
Last year the inaugural 2014 Award was bestowed on wine judge and writer Allan Mullins.
The recipient is chosen by the members of the Cap Classique Association, in conjunction with sponsors, Amorim SA, and it was a unanimous decision to bestow this year’s Award on Von Arnim.
“Once Achim was proposed, no other discussion was held,” says Emile Joubert, spokesperson for Amorim SA.
Von Arnim created his first Méthode Cap Classique in 1983 under the much-loved Pierre Jourdan label, while cellar master at the iconic Boschendal Estate.
Soon afterwards he left Boschendal to focus on producing Champagne-style sparkling wines, and over the past 30 years has been instrumental in the growth of the local Cap Classique industry.
Weekend Argus