On Sale Now & Arriving Tomorrow!
Graham Beck has defined sparkling wine from South Africa for over fifty years. These Champagne-method sparklers are as versatile and delicious as quality grower bubbles from Champagne. Venerable by New World standards (having been founded in 1983), the estate was founded by the late Graham Beck. Today his son, Antony Beck, runs the winery.
You’ll notice the wines are designated as “Méthode Cap Classique,” also referred to as “Cap Classique” or “MCC,” is the South African designation for sparkling wines made in the traditional, or Champagne, method. It was developed by the Cap Classique Producers Association, which regulates quality standards among members.
The wines undergo the classic process, including the second fermentation occurring in the bottling, long aging on the lees, and disgorgement. The name was adopted in 1992 when the use of the terms “Champagne” and “Champenoise” were banned from labels to protect the authenticity of true Champagne. Additionally, regulations stipulate that wines are aged for a minimum of twelve months in bottle, that grapes are fermented whole-cluster, and that only the first pressing (cuvée) is used.
Graham Beck works with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, though other grape varieties are allowed. The estate produces four tiers of MCCs, from the Non-Vintage, Vintage, Artisan, and Icon. At the Non-Vintage level, we have the Brut and Brut Rosé. These are excellent wines and no slouches: they’ve been served by Presidents at their inaugural celebrations.
At the Vintage level, we’re offering the vintage Ultra Brut, vintage Brut Rosé, and vintage Blanc de Blancs. The Ultra Brut is their zero-dosage sparkler, made from two parts Chardonnay to one part Pinot Noir, is minerally and citrusy, with a rich creamy texture from the extended lees aging. The Blanc de Blancs is made from 100% Chardonnay from their estate vineyard in Robertson. The soil is rich in limestone, imparting a Chablis-like character to the wine. The winery describes the Brut Rosé as its most versatile wine with fragrances of ripe berries. It is composed of 90% Pinot Noir from vineyards in Robertson, Stellenbosch, Elgin, and Durbanville plus 10% Chardonnay from their estate vineyard.
Their top bottling and only wine at the Icon level is the Cuvée Clive, a vintage sparkling wine made in the best vintages. This prestige cuvée is one of the finest sparkling wines produced in South Africa. The Chardonnay in the blend is sourced from a select parcel in their estate vineyard and from a unique block in Napier, where grapes are grown in decomposed granite. The Pinot Noir is from sandstone soils in Durbanville. The Chardonnay was aged in large neutral barrels to add texture and complexity. This is an exquisite wine that represents the pinnacle of MCC.
The range is arriving tomorrow, Friday, March 29th, and are on sale now through this Sunday at 9 am!
You’ll notice the wines are designated as “Méthode Cap Classique,” also referred to as “Cap Classique” or “MCC,” is the South African designation for sparkling wines made in the traditional, or Champagne, method. It was developed by the Cap Classique Producers Association, which regulates quality standards among members.
The wines undergo the classic process, including the second fermentation occurring in the bottling, long aging on the lees, and disgorgement. The name was adopted in 1992 when the use of the terms “Champagne” and “Champenoise” were banned from labels to protect the authenticity of true Champagne. Additionally, regulations stipulate that wines are aged for a minimum of twelve months in bottle, that grapes are fermented whole-cluster, and that only the first pressing (cuvée) is used.
Graham Beck works with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, though other grape varieties are allowed. The estate produces four tiers of MCCs, from the Non-Vintage, Vintage, Artisan, and Icon. At the Non-Vintage level, we have the Brut and Brut Rosé. These are excellent wines and no slouches: they’ve been served by Presidents at their inaugural celebrations.
At the Vintage level, we’re offering the vintage Ultra Brut, vintage Brut Rosé, and vintage Blanc de Blancs. The Ultra Brut is their zero-dosage sparkler, made from two parts Chardonnay to one part Pinot Noir, is minerally and citrusy, with a rich creamy texture from the extended lees aging. The Blanc de Blancs is made from 100% Chardonnay from their estate vineyard in Robertson. The soil is rich in limestone, imparting a Chablis-like character to the wine. The winery describes the Brut Rosé as its most versatile wine with fragrances of ripe berries. It is composed of 90% Pinot Noir from vineyards in Robertson, Stellenbosch, Elgin, and Durbanville plus 10% Chardonnay from their estate vineyard.
Their top bottling and only wine at the Icon level is the Cuvée Clive, a vintage sparkling wine made in the best vintages. This prestige cuvée is one of the finest sparkling wines produced in South Africa. The Chardonnay in the blend is sourced from a select parcel in their estate vineyard and from a unique block in Napier, where grapes are grown in decomposed granite. The Pinot Noir is from sandstone soils in Durbanville. The Chardonnay was aged in large neutral barrels to add texture and complexity. This is an exquisite wine that represents the pinnacle of MCC.
The range is arriving tomorrow, Friday, March 29th, and are on sale now through this Sunday at 9 am!
5% off any 4-8 in-stock wines from Graham Beck
10% off any 9 or more in-stock wines from Graham Beck
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
Sale ends Sunday, March 31st at 9 am Pacific.
10% off any 9 or more in-stock wines from Graham Beck
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
Sale ends Sunday, March 31st at 9 am Pacific.
On Sale Now and Arriving Friday, March 29th from Graham Beck:
Graham Beck Brut “Méthode Cap Classique”, Robertson, South Africa NV 750ml Displayed Price: $19, that’s $18.05 at 5% off and $17.10 at 10% off, 12 bottles arriving Friday
Tim Atkin MW 90 points “Light yeasty aromas, limey fresh fruit on the nose and rich creamy complexity on the palate. The exceptionally fine mousse contributes the freshness and finesse.”
Winery note “An iconic sparkling wine that has carved out a niche in the history books – affectionately dubbed the “President’s Choice”, the Brut NV was served at both Nelson Mandela’s inauguration and to celebrate Barack Obama’s presidential nomination. With its light yeasty aromas, limey fresh fruit on the nose and rich creamy complexity on the palate, the Brut NV is intended to cleanse the palate, stimulate the taste buds and entice you to progress to the ‘next level’ in your tasting journey.”
Graham Beck Brut Rosé “Méthode Cap Classique”, Robertson, South Africa NV 750ml Displayed Price: $19, that’s $18.05 at 5% off and $17.10 at 10% off, 12 bottles arriving Friday
Tim Atkin MW 91 points “This wine has a unique pale silver-pink hue. Aromas of raspberries, cherries and a few secondary whiffs of minerality. A lively mousse, but fine in the mouth, with subtle red berry flavours enlivened by bright acidity. Brisk, yet delicate on the palate, bursting with flavours of freshly crushed berries and hints of oyster shell. Flirtatious and fun, yet elegant and structured, it’s perfect for all seasons and settings”
Winery note “Exuberance, flair and elegance in abundance are all hallmarks of this charming and exhilarating Rosé Cap Classique. A lengthy lees time resulted in subtle yeasty characters with a burst of fruit flavour. The fine, lively mousse is brisk on the palate, showing hints of oyster shell, fresh lavender and subtle hints of berry and cherry. Fun and versatile, yet simultaneously satisfyingly complex, the Brut Rosé is an anywhere, anytime Cap Classique. VARIETY: 52% Chardonnay, 48% Pinot Noir.”
Graham Beck Vintage Blanc de Blancs Brut “Méthode Cap Classique”, Robertson, South Africa 2018 750ml Displayed Price: $33, that’s $31.35 at 5% off and $29.70 at 10% off, 12 bottles arriving Friday
Tim Atkin MW 94 points “Bright lime green colour with rich aromas of fresh limes, green apples, pears and lemon zest on the nose. Delicately balanced flavors of succulent citrus, brioche and spice combines with yeasty complexity, broadening the palate with layered textures and leading to a long finish.”
Winery note “The Blanc de Blancs remains one of our stalwart favorites, a darling amongst our legion of bubbly fans and testimony to the outstanding Cap Classique terroir characteristics of our Robertson estate. Only the highest quality juice (tête de cuvée) was selected for fermentation. VARIETY: Chardonnay 100%.”
Graham Beck Ultra Brut “Méthode Cap Classique”, Robertson, South Africa 2017 750ml Displayed Price: $33, that’s $31.35 at 5% off and $29.70 at 10% off, 6 bottles arriving Friday
Tim Atkin MW 93 points “Ultra Brut is the quintessence of the Graham Beck style. With a viridescent hue, this Cap Classique opens up with a lively bouquet of lemon zest and brioche notes. The rich, complex palate is perfectly balanced by fresh acidity and an exceptionally refined mousse – a benchmark of the 2017 vintage. Endowed with a deliciously creamy texture and a rewarding finish, this ultra-dry sparkling wine is ideal to drink now or in the next 5 or 8 years”
Winery note “Previously known as Brut Zero, this ultra-dry Cap Classique was crafted without the use of additional sugar in the dosage – the absence thereof allows the exceptional intrinsic qualities of the wine and its terroir to shine through more clearly. Ultra Brut is pure and honest – a true testimony of extraordinary fundamental excellence. The Graham Beck Cap Classique craftsmen always maintain that making a sparkling wine with no sugar is like walking a tightrope, there are no room for errors. This unique style of wine can only be crafted in exceptional vintages and from only the highest quality cuvée juice that can sustain extended time on the lees (five to six years). It joins the ranks of very few zero dosage sparkling wines, a category gaining in popularity amongst chefs, sommeliers, fashionistas, food enthusiasts and the health conscious. VARIETY: 67% Chardonnay, 33% Pinot Noir.”
Graham Beck Cuvée Clive “Méthode Cap Classique”, Western Cape, South Africa 2017 750ml Displayed Price: $69, that’s $65.55 at 5% off and $62.10 at 10% off, 6 bottles arriving Friday
Tim Atkin MW 98 points “The 2017 Cuvée Clive is an intriguing Cap Classique of great elegance, poise and refinement. The Chardonnay portions combine seamlessly to create a bouquet of rich peach, apricot, apple and citrus aromas, with alluring hints of spice and toasted almonds form the barrels. The Pinot Noir elegantly dances through these aromas and adds layers of complexity on the palate with fresh cranberry, pomegranate and spicy undertones. The palate is elegant and fresh, while the lengthy time spent on lees has created a succulent texture which lingers long after the last sip.”
Winery note “Our most prestigious and exclusive Cap Classique, the Cuvée Clive represents the very pinnacle of our craft and bears testimony to our reputation as a specialist premium sparkling wine producer. It is the ultimate expression of our dedication to creating Méthode Champenoise style wines of distinction, complexity and world class excellence. This extraordinary cuvée embodies the Graham Beck pursuit of the perfect bubble and is a celebrated culmination of meticulous planning and enduring passion. VARIETY: Chardonnay 60%, Pinot Noir 40%.”
Graham Beck Brut Rose “Méthode Cap Classique”, Western Cape, South Africa 2018 750ml Displayed Price: $33, that’s $31.35 at 5% off and $29.70 at 10% off, 6 bottles arriving Friday
Tim Atkin MW 93 points “This bubbly has a beautiful salmon pink hue. Noticeable ripe blueberries and a subtle spiciness from the Pinot Noir with creamy complexity from the Chardonnay. An explosion of raspberry fruit and slight honeysuckle flavours on the palate, with a persistent yet delicate mousse.”
Winery note “A pioneering first for South Africa, whereby both varietals, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, were whole bunch pressed together – this award winning Cap Classique proves its pedigree time and again both in local and international wine competitions. The Pinot Noir lends a berry-laden ripeness and subtle spiciness while the Chardonnay contributes creamy complexity. The delightful salmon-pink hue of the Vintage Rosé perfectly complements the sumptuous strawberry notes and rich creamy complexity on the palate. VARIETY: Pinot Noir 90%, Chardonnay 10%.”
Don’t miss our additional sales going on now:
Hermitage
5% off any 3-5 in-stock wines from Hermitage
10% off any 6 or more in-stock wines from Hermitage
Paitin
5% off any 6-11 in-stock wines from Paitin
10% off any 12 or more in-stock wines from Paitin
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
Paitin sale ends Friday, March 29th at 9 am Pacific. Hermitage sale ends Saturday, March 30th at 9 am Pacific.