It is often said that people resemble their pets in both looks and character. Takuan von Arnim owns a Rhodesian Ridgeback. This breed is described as:

'large and well-muscled'
'territorial and protective'
'exuberant and prone to jumping'
'destructive when bored'
'strong-willed'
'calm and quiet at home'

'Mmmm, pretty apt, but I'd add 'bashful' and 'a wry sense of humour' and cap it with that lovely Italian word: 'simpatico', the last being an essential requirement when filling the large but quirky shoes of industry icon Achim von Arnim.

"I grew up knowing I would work for Cabrière," explains Takuan. After school he worked on the farm for a harvest and then spent 3 years in the different wine regions of Germany, receiving a Vintner's diploma (Vin Solera) from the Wine College in Heilbronn in 2001. During his time overseas he also gained experience working the harvest in Champagne, France, as well as in the cellars of Peter Lehmann in the Barossa Valley of Australia, and the Gallo Wineries of California. He finally returned to the farm in 2005 and has been in the cellar ever since.

"I work a 6 day week, sometimes getting up at 04:00 when we're bottling, and doing the cellar tour and sabrage on Saturday mornings." Takuan is also called upon regularly to preside at gourmet dinners, present tastings and work at wine shows: "It is pretty all-consuming running the family business," he says wryly, 'but the customers like to see us, because this is a family business and we are passionate about what we do."

So while Takuan hardly has time to be bored, when he's off on a Sunday, he prefers to stay at home with his wife Christiane pottering around and relaxing. "We enjoy cooking together with a glass of wine, or relaxing after a long day with a shot of good whisky." Takuan collects single malt whiskies, naming his cat Whisky, and his now infamous Ridgeback, Talisker, after a favourite single malt.

Another of Takuan's favourite tipples is the Pierre Jourdan Belle Rose. Made only from Pinot Noir, its beautiful salmon colour follows through with a lively, fine mousse and an elegant dry finish. "We enjoy it with seafood, or even duck," says Takuan. "The richness of the Pinot Noir grapes lends itself ideally to complement a variety of dishes."