Graham Beck BLANC DE BLANCS 750ml - COMING SOON

Arguably South Africa’s most awarded sparkling wine, our Blanc de Blancs has been recognized on various distinguished national and international platforms, such as the International Wine and Spirits Competition (where it was voted best bottle fermented sparkling wine in the world).

Creating this sparkling wine with 100% Chardonnay, hand selected from the limestone rich vineyards on our Robertson estate, makes our Blanc de Blancs an extraordinary expression of the outstanding Cap Classique terroir characteristics of our estate. Rich, creamy and effortlessly elegant – truly one of our stalwart favourites.

VARIETY: Chardonnay 100%

VINTAGE: 2020

AREA OF ORIGIN: Robertson, South Africa.

VINEYARD: The grapes for this exceptional Cap Classique were specially selected from our oldest and very best quality vineyard blocks on our estate in Robertson. The soils in which these vineyards grow have a rich natural limestone content with high concentrations of calcareous deposits. These fruit parcels represent a selection of 5 different Chardonnay clones, each contributing a unique aroma and flavour compound, resulting in the extraordinary complexity and minerality of the base wines.

HARVEST DETAILS: The grapes were hand-harvested during the early morning hours from 3-9 January 2020, then transferred to fruit bins and transported immediately to our cellar. Here the whole bunches were tipped into the presses where they underwent a gentle, wholebunch pressing cycle to ensure the juice was extracted as slowly and softly as possible.

CELLAR TREATMENT: Whole bunch pressing ensures fractional recovery. The juice was separated into two quality fractions, of which only the premium quality juice (cuvée fraction) was used for our Blanc de Blancs. 46% of the base wine was fermented in old Piece Champenoise (205L) and 500L French oak barrels, as well as 2000L Foudres. The use of old or “neutral” oak contributes very little in terms of aromas but imparts complexity and richness on the palate. After 5 months of ageing in the barrels on the primary lees, the wine was racked out and blended with the selected stainless steel-fermented portions. It was then stabilised and clarified after which it was bottled for the secondary fermentation and maturation in bottle. The wine rested on the lees in the bottle for 60 months before degorgement.

TASTING NOTES: A vibrant and brilliant golden hue with youthful tinges of green, typical of youthful Chardonnay. Thousands of pin prick small bubbles form an exuberant perlage and a soft mousse on the surface. As the bubbles burst gently, they amplify aromas of fresh lemon, grapefruit, white peach and pear. As the wine rest in the glass, secondary aromas of spice, brioche and roasted almonds develop, deepening the sense of complexity. The palate starts off elegantly with soft citrus and apricot notes, flowing to the mid-palate with concentrated flavours of ripe granny smith apple, citrus and fleshy peach. Layers of creamy texture is balanced by a succulent acidity and the finish is long and longering. A complex, rich yet vibrant and perfectly balanced Cap Classique that will truly indulge the senses. 

AWARDS

• National Wine Challenge - Top 100 & Double Platinum Award
• IWSC South Africa 2024 – Gold 96 Points
• Tim Atkin SA Report 2024 - 95 Points
• IWSC South Africa 2024 - 93 Points
• Veritas 2024 - 91 Points (Gold)
• Platter's Guide 2025 - 4.5 Stars