Graham Beck Blanc de Blancs 2020
Graham Beck Blanc de Blancs 2020
Manufacturer: Graham Beck
A vintage Cap Classique produced exclusively from Chardonnay sourced from the oldest and highest-quality vineyard blocks on the estate in Robertson. The vineyards are rooted in limestone-rich soils with significant calcareous deposits, contributing to the wine’s pronounced minerality, tension and ageing potential. A selection of five Chardonnay clones provides additional aromatic complexity and structural depth.Following gentle whole-bunch pressing, only the finest cuvée fraction was retained. A portion of the base wine was fermented and matured on its fine lees in seasoned pièce champenoise barrels, French oak barrels and large oak foudres, while the remainder was vinified in stainless steel. After blending, the wine underwent secondary fermentation in bottle and was aged on the lees for 60 months prior to disgorgement.The bouquet is defined by precise aromas of lemon zest, grapefruit, white peach and pear. Extended lees ageing contributes classic autolytic notes of brioche, freshly baked pastry, subtle spice and roasted almonds. On the palate, the wine is dry, focused and finely structured, displaying layers of citrus fruit, green apple and stone fruit supported by pronounced minerality and vibrant acidity. A refined mousse and creamy mid-palate texture lead to a persistent, complex finish with remarkable balance and elegance. This is a Blanc de Blancs of considerable precision, depth and ageing potential.
2020 / 0.75l / 12 % / Robertson - South Africa
About the Winery
Graham Beck Winery was founded in 1983 by entrepreneur Graham Beck in the Robertson region of South Africa’s Western Cape. Since its establishment, it has earned a reputation as one of the country's leading producers of sparkling wines crafted using the traditional Méthode Cap Classique. By combining exceptional vineyard sites in Robertson and Stellenbosch with meticulous viticulture and decades of expertise, the winery has become synonymous with quality and elegance. Graham Beck is internationally renowned for its iconic sparkling wines, which have been served at landmark occasions, including Nelson Mandela’s inauguration and Barack Obama’s presidential victory celebrations. The winery’s philosophy is centred on fruit purity, respect for terroir, and mastery of the traditional sparkling wine-making process. Its portfolio consistently receives prestigious international awards, firmly establishing Graham Beck among the most respected sparkling wine producers in the Southern Hemisphere.
Terroir
The terroir of Graham Beck is shaped primarily by two exceptional wine-growing regions – Robertson and Stellenbosch – which provide ideal conditions for producing world-class sparkling wines. In Robertson, vineyards are planted on limestone-rich soils with significant chalk content, contributing elegance, minerality, and vibrant acidity to the grapes. In Stellenbosch, deeper granite and clay-based soils add structure, complexity, and aromatic depth to the wines. The Mediterranean climate of the Western Cape also plays a crucial role, with warm days balanced by cool nights and the moderating influence of ocean breezes. This slow and even ripening process allows Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes to retain their natural freshness, bright acidity, and expressive fruit character. The combination of these diverse terroirs enables the winery to craft refined Méthode Cap Classique wines distinguished by their finesse, complexity, and long, elegant finish.
Recommended wine pairings
Graham Beck Blanc de Blancs 2020