Michel Rolland on film and in the Cape 24 March 2006

From Barry Brown:

Been watching the Mondovino film on DSTV. Interesting. Read also that Michel Rolland has bought into an estate in South Africa. Didn’t even know the 'big bad bogeyman' (according to some) was consulting here. He claims to be consulting at 100 wineries in 12 countries so I guess it’s likely he’s here somewhere. Any idea where?

Bordeaux-based winemaker and international superstar consultant Michel Rolland, 'star' of the controversial and very interesting film Mondovino, does indeed have a presence here. There is a very downplayed connection of some kind with Rupert and Rothschild, which seems to also overlap into Johann Rupert's l'Ormarins. If anyone can elucidate for us the connections with the Rupert empire, please do so.

But the ownership involvement Barry refers too must be Hakuna Matata Wines – the wine business of Remhoogte/Murray Boustred. Bonne Nouvelle, a cab-merlot-pinotage blend, is the wine of the joint venture – whether or not Rolland has a slice of the rest of Remhoogte wines, I do not know, nor does the Platter Guide's Philip van Zyl, to whom I had turned for enlightenment. As Philip comments: 'I don’t think many people appreciate the distinction between the [Remhoogte] estate, which is solely owned by Murray Boustred, and the business, in which Michel Rolland has a share'.

By the way, Barry points out that the second half of Mondovino will be shown on on the Food Channel (70) on DSTV next Wednesday and Thursday (29/30 March).
— TJ