Perfect autumn weather saw the Graham Beck cellar outside Robertson gear up for a few hectic days of celebration, as media and trade were invited to share in a toast to 25 years of quality sparkling wine production.
The timeline was presented in a press release, showing just how Madeba farm developed from the time the late Graham Beck bought it, through plantings of chardonnay and pinot, building of one cellar, then two more, and how cellarmaster Pieter Ferreira moved from 1994 and the maiden vintages to the day the first exports left for Europe. As production expanded rapidly, 2004 saw a major replanting programme start, and fast forwarding to 2009 when Michelle Obama chose Graham Beck bubbly for her husband’s inauguration celebrations. From then on royalty and prominent celebrities in both the USA and Britain turned to this renowned label when looking for sparkling wine that would complement special occasions. Last year the Blancs de blanc ’09 won the IWSC trophy as best sparkling wine in the world, a fitting prelude to this year’s silver jubilee celebration while it’s the 09 rosé that is among my favourite sparkles, a flute-fill to celebrate with any time, any place.
At the cellar, after a fascinating presentation by Pieter and Pierre, his likely successor in the cellar, guests enjoyed a vertical tasting of bubblies ranging right back to the 90’s before savouring a menu created by Margot Janse that was as inspired as any of the bubblies with which it was paired.
A GB magnum specially bottled for the silver Jubilee made an outstanding souvenir to carry home with care. Gauteng – I hear its your turn in a couple of month’s time!
more on wineweekend.co.za
