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Achim von Arnim vs JZ

Author: Jeanri-Tine van Zyl
Published: 15 May 09
 

Extreme Extravagance

Seems like President Jacob Zuma just can't get it right... this week he had wine-industry tongues wagging about the inaugural bubbly choice. Dom Pérignon was served at his recent presidential inauguration, dubbed by some as being extravagant, and unpatriotic, given the fine bubbly produced locally. A South African choice would have been the cheaper one, and by not serving Méthode Cap Classique (mcc), President Zuma missed a key opportunity to showcase South African bubbly to international dignitaries. Not that he missed out - our president is a teetotaller by the sounds of it. And in organisers defense, South African wine (Shiraz and Chardonnay) were served with the Dullstroom trout... That said, not everyone is taking an as lenient approach to President Zuma's choice. Here Achim von Arnim, winemaker at Cabrière, in Franschhoek shares his opinion.

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Achim
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" I think Zuma was not to be blamed here. I suppose he do not know much about the wine! Its the people who organised it. He probably didn't know about that the champaine was from Oversees! "
Brad
 
" Amazing! I thought exactly the same at the time. Only saw A's video now. Who can enlighten JZ - he did say people must tell him 'what is the right thing to do'. "
talita
 
" The Zuma inaugration was the ultimate celebration and so deserves the ultimate Champagne. I think PJ are just greedy and were not happy that they had sold 1000 bottles for room gifts. Clearly they are just looking for an angle to get more exposure for their brands, shocking! "
Craig
 
" Goood words Achim! Indeed, what an opportunity was missed by JZ by him not serviing South Africa! You are a brave man to take a stand, but I'm with you, from a distance! www.thecapeclub.com to check out who/what we do here in Sydney with the South African Stuff! We could do with your portfolio as well though? "
Jean Wethmar - Sydney Australia
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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