Graham Beck Cap Classique from Robertson
Graham Beck Estate is located around ten kilometres outside Robertson in the Breede River Valley. The area is characterised by warm, dry days, significantly cooler nights and limestone-rich soils. This combination is particularly interesting for producing base wines with natural acidity. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir therefore form the foundation of the range, which today is devoted entirely to South African Cap Classique.
The story of the house began in 1983, when entrepreneur Graham Beck acquired the Madeba farm near Robertson. His aim was to produce high-quality sparkling wines in what was then a relatively little-known location. Pieter Ferreira joined as cellar master in 1990 and was already involved with the first Cap Classique vintage in 1991. The first Graham Beck Brut was released in 1993 and developed into the house's best-known wine.
Robertson has particularly high natural limestone deposits in its vineyard soils. These help to maintain low pH levels and pronounced acidity in the grapes. At the same time, the region is one of the areas of the Western Cape with large differences between daytime and night-time temperatures. After hot days, cooler air flows through the vineyards in the afternoon, while temperatures drop considerably at night. This allows Chardonnay and Pinot Noir to ripen while retaining their freshness.
In the cellar, whole bunches are pressed particularly gently. This makes it possible to separate different juice fractions and select only the most suitable portions for each wine. After the first fermentation, the base wines are blended and bottled for the second fermentation. Subsequent maturation on the lees contributes fine bubbles, a creamy texture and aromas of citrus fruit, yeast, brioche and roasted nuts.
The Classic Collection includes Graham Beck Brut and Brut Rosé, among others. These wines are made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir sourced from several selected vineyards across the Western Cape, including the estate's own vineyards in Robertson. The Brut combines fresh citrus fruit with a subtle yeasty note and creamy structure, while the Brut Rosé also shows red berries and delicate spice. Graham Beck Brut was also served at Nelson Mandela's inauguration in 1994, linking it closely to a special moment in South African history.
The Vintage Collection places greater emphasis on individual vintages and selected vineyard parcels. The Blanc de Blancs is made exclusively from Chardonnay grown in particularly suitable, limestone-rich parcels on the Robertson estate. The range also includes Ultra Brut and Pinot Noir Rosé. At the top of the portfolio is Cuvée Clive, a Chardonnay and Pinot Noir blend produced only in suitable vintages and made exclusively from particularly high-quality juice fractions.
Today, cellar master Pierre de Klerk continues the winemaking. He worked alongside Pieter Ferreira from 2010 and took responsibility for the cellar in 2022. Ferreira concluded his work at Graham Beck in 2026, leaving behind after more than three decades a style closely associated with the development of South African Cap Classique. At Vin Africa, Graham Beck offers a focused selection of sparkling wines ranging from fresh Brut and Rosé to long-aged vintage wines.