If you're a fan of sparkling wines, it's time to pop the cork on a bottle of Méthode Cap Classique from South Africa. Made in the same precise and labor-intensive method as Champagne, the bubbles in Cap Classique wines are also created by a second fermentation in the bottle. However, don't think of Cap Classique as an imitation of Champagne; the process is the same, but these wines are an expression of South African terroir. And the wines of Graham Beck are an authentic introduction to the charms of Méthode Cap Classique. image courtesy of Graham Beck
Founded in 1983 by Cape Town native Graham Beck, the estate is located in the Western Cape of South Africa, near the town of Robertson. Robertson is a world away from France, but its limestone-rich terroir shares some similarities with Champagne. Cellarmaster Pieter "Bubbles" Ferreira said, “It’s the unique terroir – perfectly suited to the production of outstanding Cap Classique. We have the richest natural limestone deposits in the Western Cape. All our peers and competitors in the Cap Classique sparkling category are buying Robertson fruit, which is more forgiving and has more flavour than elsewhere. Limestone ensures low pH and natural acidity, so it’s ideal for bubblies.” Graham Beck cellarmaster, Pieter "Bubbles" Ferreira, has been with the estate since their first vintage.
image courtesy of Graham Beck
Graham Beck passed away in 2010, but Ferreira and the Beck family carry on his winemaking legacy. The Graham Beck portfolio includes a diverse selection of Méthode Cap Classique wines, including vintage, non-vintage, and rosé. And some pretty high profile people have toasted historical moments with their bubblies -- Graham Beck Brut Non-Vintage ($18) was served at Nelson Mandela’s 1994 inauguration and at President Barack Obama’s 2008 election night party, affectionately earning the wine a priceless nickname: “President’s Choice.”
One of the standout sips is Graham Beck Brut Zero 2012 ($30). A blend of 77% Pinot Noir and 23% Chardonnay, no dosage (sugar) was added, allowing the terroir and vintage to really shine through in each crisp sip. I love the elegant and confident nakedness of this bubbly.
