Wine With Wanda

Sip This: Graham Beck Brut Zero 2012 Méthode Cap Classique, South Africa

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.

Hope in the Ashes: A Devastating Fire Won't Stop Lismore Estate Vineyards from Making Great Wine in South Africa

Every wine has a story to tell and sometimes the truth behind the bottle will break your heart. Several weeks ago, I tasted 2017 Lismore Estate Reserve Chardonnay, Western Cape, South Africa ($40) and I haven’t stopped thinking about this exceptional wine and the intriguing woman who made it, Samantha O’Keefe. In a world where “anything but Chardonnay” has become a misguided mantra for many drinkers, Samantha has crafted an exuberant, balanced, and regal wine that will wow even the most jaded drinker. I loved the wine so much, I even sent a photo of the bottle to my boyfriend, a very talented and discerning sommelier, and told him that he must try it.

I recently learned that Samantha’s home and winery were reduced to ashes in a fire and my heart broke for her and her family. Although, we only chatted for a few minutes, Samantha made a lasting impression. Not only is she a talented winemaker, she has chutzpah. Many people dream about moving to a faraway land to make wine but Samantha, a Californian, actually did it. Her website states that in South Africa, Samantha found “paradise and the perfect terroir.”

The fire may have damaged paradise but not Samantha’s passion and tenacity. Via Facebook she shared a message that further increased my admiration: “We have experienced a tragedy like nothing we could have ever imagined. Thank you for the outpouring of love and support from the South African wine industry and everyone around the globe. Our hearts are broken, our home and my precious cellar is reduced to ashes but it seems some of our vines are as tough as we are and may survive it all. All of our bottled stock was stored off-site in Stellenbosch. I can assure everyone that Lismore wines remain available to the market. With the generous offers of cellar space, I will produce a 2020 vintage and will rebuild.”


So, if you see a bottle of Lismore at your local wine retailer or on a wine list, please show your support. And, I must thank Anthony Mueller, sommelier and Robert Parker Wine Advocate reviewer, for introducing me to Lismore and Samantha at their recent Wine Discoveries event in New York City. Not only did Anthony award the 2017 Lismore Estate Reserve Chardonnay 94 points, he selected to highlight it as his discovery of the year. Trust me, that’s a big deal.


I’ll defer to Anthony’s spot-on tasting notes: “On the nose, the 2017 Estate Reserve Chardonnay has elegant, luscious red apples, lemon, and pear tart and seductive floral notes of cherry blossom. It has excellent mouthfeel with perfect mid-palate weight and balance and elegant Chardonnay expression.”

I love the balanced richness of this Chardonnay. Elegant and joyous, its tapestry of flavors make a bold impact without being overbearing. Try it. It’s marvelous. And you’ll be doing your part to help Samantha write the next chapter of her winemaking story.

Around the World in Rosé: Seven Sensational Pink Wines

Get ready to drink pink - rosé season has arrived! A smart wine choice any time of year, rosé is especially enticing in spring and summer. Who can resist a crisp and refreshing glass of pretty rosè on a beautiful sunny day? Ranging in hues from barely pink to vibrant jewel tones, rosé brings a wine glass to life. Sip your way around the world with one of these seven sensational rosé wines!

Mathilde Chapoutier Grand Ferrage Rosé 2016 ($19.99)
Côtes de Provence AOC, France
Grapes: Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Rolle
8th generation winemaker Mathilde Chapoutier stepped out of her legendary father's shadow when she debuted her superb Provençal rosé last year. The excellent 2016 vintage proves that the talented Miss Chapoutier is no one-hit-wonder. Full and silky with vibrant acidity, this beautiful blend has tantalizing flavors of peach, grapefruit, and a touch of lavender. 


M. Chapoutier Belleruche Rosé 2016 ($14.99)
Côtes du Rhône, France
Grapes: Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault
 One of France's most celebrated winemakers (and father of rising star Mathilde Chapoutier), Michel Chapoutier delivers excellence once again in this superb rosé. A perfect balance of acidity, crispness, fruity fresh strawberry and raspberry flavors, and a hint of herbs.  

Lapostolle Le Rosé 2016 ($20.99)
Colchagua Valley, Chile
Grapes: Cinsault, Syrah, Grenache Mourvédre
The Lapostolle family (founders of Grand Marnier liqueur) has roots in France and bring that elegant ooh la la sensibility to their acclaimed winery in Chile. Pale as a ballerina's tutu, it is crisp and juicy with refined flavors of apricot and grapefruit. 

Il Poggione Brancato Rosato 2016 ($18.99)
Montalcino, Italy
Grape: Sangiovese 
This coppery-colored Tuscan rosé catches the eye and wows the palate. Produced by one of the founding families of Montalcino, this superb rosato is refreshing and nuanced with flavors of rich red cherries and a dash of savory saffron. 

Protea Dry Rosé 2016 ($17.99)
Coastal Region, South Africa
Grapes: Mourvédre, Shiraz, Cinsault, Grenache
Inspired by the dry rosé wines of Provence, this stylish bottle from South Africa packs plenty of zest and juicy cherry & berry flavors.  

Bodegas Valdemar 'Conde Valdemar' Rosé 2016 ($13.99)
Rioja, Spain 
Grapes: Garnacha, Viura
Sassy and fresh, this tasty vino from Spain has vibrant red fruit flavors with a touch of stone fruit and watermelon. 


Sanford Pinot Noir Rosé 2016 ($23)
Santa Rita Hills, California
Grape: Pinot Noir
A playful but elegant expression of Pinot Noir with refreshing flavors of strawberry, orange blossom, and honeysuckle.  

Stay tuned for more rosè coverage this season!