The Hedonistic Taster | № 23 | Graham Beck Méthode Cap Classique | South Africa
by L.M. Archer, FWS | Bourgogne ML
A Tasse de dégustiation, or tastevin, is a silver tasting cup used by vignerons and negociants in Burgundy to taste wines. Most are presented as christening gifts at birth.
" data-orig-size="289,175" sizes="(max-width: 289px) 100vw, 289px" data-image-title="tastevin" data-orig-file="https://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/imgres.jpg" style="border:0;height:auto;max-width:100%;clear:both;display:block;margin:5px auto 10px;border-radius:2px;vertical-align:middle;box-sizing:inherit;" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-medium-file="https://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/imgres.jpg?w=289" data-permalink="https://binnotes.com/2016/04/10/the-hedonistic-taster-%e2%84%96-1/imgres-4/" alt="Tastevin" srcset="https://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/imgres.jpg 289w, https://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/imgres.jpg?w=150 150w" class="size-full wp-image-13244 aligncenter" data-large-file="https://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/imgres.jpg?w=289" />“Wine should not be regarded simply as a beverage, but as an art of living, a pleasure.” – Henri Jayer
Welcome to The Hedonistic Taster, a binNotes | redThread™ trade sampling of gorgeous, small-lot artisan pours in an intimate tasting format.
The title derives from the term ‘hedonistic tasting,’ coined by legendary Burgundian vigneron Henri Jayer.
Santé!
Today’s Tasting:
Graham Beck Méthode Cap Classique | South Africa
This tasting marks the first in my focus on Affordable Burgundy + Beyond. Here, I taste through a bit of ‘beyond’ – Pinot Noir and Chardonnay-based bubbles from South Africa.
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If Champagne has a soul sister, it may be Méthode Cap Classique. Specific to South Africa, Cap Classique employs the same “traditional method” used to make Champagne, whereby the second fermentation occurs in bottle.
A key figure behind establishing South Africa’s Méthode Cap Classique sparkling wine is Pieter “Bubbles” Ferreira, cellarmaster at Graham Beck Wines in Robertson. Champagne-trained, South African inspired, Ferreira favors an elegant, crisp ‘house style’ that compliments the region’s diverse cuisine.
These tastings notes compliment a recent Skype interview I conducted with Pieter Ferreira hosted by Wines of South Africa. Please look for the forthcoming interview here later this summer.
Authors Note: I was delightfully surprised to meet Pieter at IPNC this past weekend, and can vouch that he is every bit as effervescent as his wines.
Wine: Graham Beck Brut Méthode Cap Classique Sparkling Wine (51% Chardonnay, 49% Pinot Noir)
Vintage: N/V
Alcohol: 12 %
Suggested Retail: $17
TASTING NOTES:
Robe: Clear gold robe, pinpoint beading, effusive nuclei, diffuse mousse.
Nose: Beautiful ‘eau de boulangerie’ notes of brioche, toast, yeast.
Palate: Clean citrus, amber, toasty bouche; medium finish.
Suggested Pairings: A better question to ask is what not to pair this wine with? The perfect apéritif, amuse-bouche, seafood sidekick, or all-around scene stealer for any occasion.
Score: 91.5
Wine: Graham Beck Brut Rosé (55% Pinot Noir, 45% Chardonnay)
Vintage: N/V
Alcohol: 12.5%
Suggested Retail: $17
Specs
TASTING NOTES:
Robe: Clear coral robe, vibrant beading, diaphanous mousse.
Nose: An intoxicating admix of salt-air, fynbos, red fruit nose.
Palate: Alluring red raspberry bouche with hints of almond and brioche, combined with a surprising, and delightful, herbaceous backnote.
Suggested Pairings: A joyful elixir. Pairs well with life.Absolutely fave stunning rosé sparkling wine, hands down, for the price point and quality.
Score: 93
Learn more about Graham Beck Wines here.
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