In this interview, Warwick Estate CEO Christiane von Arnim talks about what makes wines from South Africa, France and Germany so unique and more. She has been leading the next chapter of the Warwick legacy since 2018.
Are there any essential wine hacks you wish more people knew about?
When opening a bottle with a wax closure, ignore it and pull it out the way you usually would instead of cutting and picking away the wax. This is much easier and neater – and a lot less frustrating.
Also, serving red wine at the correct temperature requires consideration. The room temperatures can vary drastically worldwide and through the seasons. For example, in South Africa, a hot summer’s evening can reach up to 30°C and serving any wine at that temperature is far from ideal. A general rule of thumb is to put your bottle of wine into the fridge for one and a half to two hours before pouring to achieve the ideal temperatures.
As a German living and working in South Africa and having grown up in the wine regions of Germany and France, which is better; German, South African or French wine?
It’s impossible to make such a direct comparison. Each country – and more specifically, each sub region – has its own specialties that are somehow inextricably linked to its place and heritage. Ultimately, quality boils down to the individual producer. Their decisions to realise the true potential of the vineyard sites they are working with and the steps they take in the wine cellar to bring out the best in those grapes in terms of stylistic expression.
That being said, Rheinhessen and Mosel in Germany and Alsace in France are the best places to look out for excellent Riesling. South Africa’s Swartland and Stellenbosch regions are a good start to look for outstanding Chenin Blanc, but so is the Loire Valley in France. All three countries produce exceptional Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs – albeit they differ substantially in style between the various sub-regions.
The most reputable Cabernet Sauvignons, specifically Cabernet Sauvignon blends, will be found in France’s Bordeaux region and South Africa’s iconic Stellenbosch region. And then there is Pinotage. Since South Africa is the only country to produce wines from this native grape, we are obviously the best at it.