This is the third time this award has been made. It was instituted in 2014 by the competition’s sponsors Amorim Cork and the MCC Association to honour individuals for the profound role they have played in promoting Cap Classique.
The Legacy Trophy is named after the late Frans Malan, founding father of the Simonsig Estate in Stellenbosch who also made and introduced the first Cap Classique wine to the South African market in 1971.
Joaquim Sá, MD of Amorim South Africa, says the name “Platter” has become synonymous with the South African wine industry, with both John and Erica having written, talked and opined about wine and Cap Classique for four decades.
“John and Erica have brought – and continue to bring – knowledge, insight, wit and sharp intelligence to wine matters through books, articles and public speaking,” says Sá. “Through this, there always seems to be a glass of bubbly wines at hand and their sparkling personalities and roles as true ambassadors for the South African wine industry made them an easy choice for this year’s Frans Malan Legacy Trophy.
Accepting the award, both John and Erica complemented the country’s Cap Classique producers for the inroads the category has made in terms of quality and brand visibility. And as an author on Indian cuisine and resident of KwaZulu-Natal, Erica took the opportunity to remind everyone that “nothing, but nothing goes as well with a good curry as Cap Classique!”
Caption: John and Erica Platter with the Frans Malan Legacy Trophy. They are flanked by, left, Francois-Jacques Malan and Francois Malan, respectively grandson and son of the late Frans Malan.