In the heart of Robertson, South Africa, the Graham Beck estate stands as a testament to vision, innovation, and excellence in Cap Classique.

• From visionary beginnings in 1983 to global acclaim, Graham Beck defines the art of Cap Classique.
• The Ultra Brut showcases Graham Beck’s mastery with zero-dosage elegance and international acclaim.
• The Graham Beck Vintage Collection captures the essence of single-harvest craftsmanship.
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In Robertson, where limestone soils mirror distant Champagne terroirs and the Breede River carves through undulating hills, lies proof that extraordinary things can grow in unexpected places. When founder Graham Beck chose this spot in 1983, most saw a remote valley. He, however, saw potential written in soil and sky – in the limestone that would give Cap Classique its distinctive minerality and in the dramatic day-night temperature shifts that would preserve crucial acidity in grapes.

Four decades later, this vision has transformed into reality. As a third-generation family-owned estate, Graham Beck has maintained its independence and singular focus, choosing to specialise exclusively in bottle-fermented sparkling wine. This dedication to mastery, combined with a spirit of constant innovation, has established Graham Beck as a global leader in Cap Classique, driven by an unwavering pursuit of the perfect bubble.

The zenith of this pursuit manifests in Graham Beck’s Vintage Collection – where expertise meets patience. Each bottle captures a single harvest, showcasing the finest characteristics of that exceptional year. This is where the remarkable synergy between Robertson’s unique terroir and the skilled hand of the House’s viticultural and winemaking teams finds its purest expression.

Only the finest grape parcels are selected for these prestigious releases, chosen for their ability to deliver the hallmark characteristics of world-class vintage sparkling wine. Each parcel brings exceptional purity of fruit, natural acidity, and the potential for developing profound complexity. Through extended lees ageing of four years or more, these superior base wines evolve into Cap Classiques of extraordinary depth, displaying remarkable texture, richness, and finesse.

The collection has garnered acclaim on both local and international stages, cementing Graham Beck’s reputation for crafting sparkling wines that compete confidently with prestigious Champagne houses – yet at exceptional value. These are wines that transcend the traditional role of aperitif; their sophistication and structure make them accomplished companions throughout a meal.

At the pinnacle of Graham Beck’s Vintage Collection stands the Ultra Brut – a rare and sophisticated expression of Cap Classique in its most natural form. Known in traditional terminology as Brut Nature or Brut Savage, this zero-dosage masterpiece is crafted without the addition of sugar after disgorgement (an otherwise standard practice), allowing the intrinsic qualities of Robertson’s terroir to shine through unmasked.

The extraordinary quality of this distinctive style has earned significant international acclaim. With 95 points and Gold from both the International Wine & Spirits Competition and Decanter, alongside 92 points from Tim Atkin’s South Africa Special Report, the Ultra Brut stands confidently among the world’s finest sparkling wines. Double-Gold medals from the National Wine Challenge/Top 100 SA Wines and Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards further affirm its exceptional status.

Creating such a stylistically specific wine demands extraordinary precision. Cellar Master Pierre de Klerk describes crafting this style as walking a tightrope – there is no room for error when working without the traditional dosage. Only the finest cuvée juice is selected, a testament to the fundamental quality required for this challenging style. Through patient maturation of over five years on the lees, the wine develops a creamy richness that perfectly counterbalances its natural acidity.

The current 2017 vintage showcases this masterful balance. A light gold colour with viridescent hints leads to an elegant bouquet of lemon zest and brioche notes. On the palate, fresh acidity harmonises with an exceptionally refined mousse, creating a sophistication that makes it particularly accomplished at the table. This gastronomic versatility shines especially when paired with seafood, oysters, and rich creamy dishes – a true food lover’s Cap Classique.

Four decades ago, Graham Beck saw a possibility in a remote Robertson Valley. Today, that visionary spirit is embodied in every bottle of the Vintage Collection, and perhaps most eloquently in the Ultra Brut – a Cap Classique that represents the deftness of the cellar team. As the House of Graham Beck continues to craft wines that stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the world’s finest Champagnes, offering exceptional value without compromise, indeed, here is proof that the road less travelled can lead to the finest destinations.

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