This month Graham Beck wines celebrates their 30th vintage, 30 years of Sparkling Success; a celebration of 'Wine that Matters'. They began production in 1990 and the first vintage of Graham Beck Cap Classique was released in 1993. Over the years they have received a long list of honours, accolades and awards for their prestigious portfolio of sparkling wines
Because of Covid, sadly, they could not hold a physical celebration. We were invited to their 25th anniversary five years ago and had a really marvellous day with Cellarmaster Pieter Ferreira in the Robertson cellar tasting through many, many vintage Cap Classiques followed by lunch, prepared by chef Margot Janse. But it was not going to happen like that this year. So they came up with a really great plan. They booked members of the wine trade and media for an on line meeting with Pieter and Chris du Toit, the CEO of Graham Beck Enterprises. And very generously sent us all four bottles of their vintage Cap Classique wines plus a Magnum
And we were also celebrating the 30th anniversary of Pieter Ferreira, who has been with Graham Beck making their wines since he joined them in 1990. Pieter is hugely respected here and overseas for his knowledge and skill in making sparkling wines, "being in pursuit of the perfect bubble". He is affectionately known in the industry as Bubbles Ferreira
It was a spectacular delivery
L to R The Graham Beck Celebratory Magnum is a tailor made blend for us to keep (and it has gone into our cellar to add some age and will be enjoyed at a special future family celebration). The Graham Beck Pinot Noir Rosé 2015 is made from 92% Pinot Noir from Elgin, Durbanville and Slanghoek and 8% Robertson Chardonnay. So beautiful with rose petals, cherry, strawberry on the nose, with minerality and a fine mousse. Complex with lots of red berry fruit, a hint of amaretto and cream and very satisfying with lasting strawberry flavours. The 2016 Graham Beck Blanc de Blanc, 100% Chardonnay, for so long Lynne's favourite. It spent 4 years on the lees and was degorged in 2020. Lime green in colour, aromatic on the nose, lemon lime with zesty freshness on the palate similar with rich creamy riper citrus and bright zesty acidity. 50% of the base wine is kept in 7-8 years old Champenois barrels to add complexity; however, the wine has no wood flavours
All content © John & Lynne Ford, Adamastor & Bacchus
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